He is enjoying a run in the side after a spell of kicking his heels on the bench.
So Dion Donohue is hoping to make the most of his opportunity to impress, as Pompey look to maintain their position inside the top six.
It was not moaning that led to the versatile summer signing reclaiming his place in the starting 11, however.
Donohue understood the reasons for his omission and worked hard to make sure he became part of the manager’s plans again.
“I’ve been in and out of the team,” he says in the official matchday magazine for today’s clash with Scunthorpe. “I’ve got not complaints about that, though, as we were doing well when I wasn’t involved.”
“You can’t expect to be put straight back in if that’s happening. Hopefully now I am playing again, I can cement a place in the starting 11.
"Being on the periphery gives you a chance to reflect on why you got pulled out in the first place."
“Your attitude can’t change whatever your circumstances – we’re professional footballers and so it’s our job to be ready.
“If anything, being on the periphery gives you a chance to reflect on why you got pulled out in the first place and try to rectify any mistakes.”
To read the full interview – where Donohue also discusses being converted to a left-back – pick up a copy of the magazine from programme sellers around the ground.
Also in issue 18, Nicke Kabamba reveals his favourite things, while Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain takes the Home & Away quiz.
We take an in-depth look at Scunthorpe, plus there are exclusive columns from Mark Catlin, Kenny Jackett and Brett Pitman.
All this and much, much more in a packed 84 pages is available for just £3.