Andy Cannon was excited about being part of a promotion challenge when he made the trip down to the south coast back in January.
But the midfielder was limited to just two appearances after joining Pompey for the second half of last season.
A quad problem meant much of his early time at Fratton Park was spent in the treatment room, rather than on the pitch.
Cannon has already featured three times so far this term, however, and is enjoying the opportunity to prove his worth.
He said: “It’s been massive just to have a few games on the bounce, although I feel like there’s a lot more for me to give.
“Moving away from home for the first time and coming to a club like this, then getting injured after a few weeks was probably the lowest I’ve felt in my career.
"At times I did wonder why I’d come down here because I wasn’t training or playing, but it’s all worth it when you run out at Fratton Park."
“That’s why I’m working hard all the time to make sure that I’m fully fit and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead this season.
“I’d never had an injury like that before. It was the longest I’d been out and it was so frustrating for me.
“At times I did wonder why I’d come down here because I wasn’t training or playing, but it’s all worth it when you run out at Fratton Park.”
Cannon will hope to be involved when Pompey visit QPR in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening.
He said: “It’s going to be a different game for us and sometimes Championship sides give you a bit more time on the ball.
“But they can also be more clinical, so hopefully we’ll perform well there and get through to the next round.”