He has had to remain patient in recent weeks.
But Conor Chaplin showed exactly what he is capable by scoring a last-gasp winner for Pompey at MK Dons.
The visitors were heading for defeat until Matt Clarke levelled with just six minutes of normal time remaining.
And that had all passed when Chaplin received the ball in the box and swept it home, before running the length of the pitch to celebrate with more than 6,000 travelling fans.
It was the striker’s first league appearance for six weeks and he certainly made the most of his opportunity.
Chaplin said: “It was a great feeling – probably better than I’ve felt after scoring a lot of other goals.
“That’s because I haven’t played in a while and it was also in front of such an amazing following from the fans.
"After running to the other end of the pitch I couldn’t move much, but you want to reward those fans."
“Oli Hawkins did really well to put their lad under pressure and he didn’t clear it very well. I was just lurking and making sure I stayed onside.
“When the ball trickled through to me I thought the keeper was favourite, but I went for it and it got us the win.
“After running the other end of the pitch I couldn’t move much, but you want to reward those fans and make sure they were a part of it.
“I was chatting with Jamal when the sides switched ends just before kick-off and said that I wouldn’t be able to celebrate with them if I scored the winner.
“So we said that if either of us managed to do that then we would run up to the other end of the pitch!
“It has been a bit frustrating for me personally of late, but moments like that just make it all worthwhile.”