Oli Hawkins has certainly had a pivotal role for Pompey so far this season.
No player has managed more than his four assists from the opening seven League One fixtures of the 2018/19 campaign.
The 26-year-old caused a nuisance to the Shrewsbury back-line in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Fratton Park before being replaced by Brett Pitman during the second half.
And although Hawkins has yet to find the net himself this term, he is pleased with his personal contribution to the cause.
He said: “I’m a striker and want to score goals, but I’m happy with how I’ve been performing and have got some assists.
"I’m playing my part by being a focal point to hold the ball up and shake some defenders about."
“Once the first one comes then I’m confident there will be more. I’ll stay patient and just keep trying to do well.
“At the moment I’m playing my part by being a focal point to hold the ball up and shake some defenders about.
“It’s working currently and I didn’t complain about coming off because you want your team-mates to do well.”
Pompey remain unbeaten following their Shrewsbury stalemate, with a late Brett Pitman penalty cancelling out Greg Docherty’s opener.
Hawkins said: “It was obviously disappointing to fall behind, but the boys showed a lot of character to get the equaliser. It was the first time we had to come from behind this season.
“Shrewsbury are without a win, but we knew they still had a strong team and it was going to be tough. We had to be patient.
“Everyone can see that it’s a battle every week with me and I just want to come out on top, but they were big and strong.
“That’s why you need a deep squad and we had someone like Brett who can come on and score the leveller.
“We always want to come away with three points, although I think we can be happy with staying unbeaten.
“You might look back on this and view it as a good draw, so we’re still smiling and looking forward to the next game.”