Nathan Thompson knows that Pompey have to improve ahead of a busy week at Fratton Park.
A 2-0 defeat at Scunthorpe precedes successive home league games against Bristol Rovers and Oldham.
Lee Novak and Duane Holmes were on target in the first half as the Iron boosted their promotion credentials.
And Thompson admits that the Blues need to sharpen up at both ends of the pitch if they want to be successful.
The right-back said: “You know what you’re going to get when you come to a place like Scunthorpe.
“They were very good at soaking up pressure and were then able to hit us on the counter-attack quite effectively.
"Now we just have to brush ourselves down and be ready to go again."
“We probably felt there was a goal there for us in the first 15-20 minutes, but were a bit naïve with our defending.
“They showed why they’ve only conceded three goals so far in the league this season because they were very well drilled.
“Unfortunately we weren’t able to break them down, but now we just have to brush ourselves down and be ready to go again.
“The game’s come thick and fast and so we’ll be doing everything we can to bounce back on Tuesday evening.”
Thompson was playing directly behind Jamal Lowe on the right and believes the winger has a bright future.
He said: “Jamal’s still a young lad, but we saw the previous week that when it all comes together he can be devastating.
“This is a big opportunity for him and if he can add consistency to his game then the world is his oyster.”