Andy Cannon is raring to go following a frustrating start to his Pompey career.
The midfielder signed from Rochdale in January, but injuries limited him to just two appearances for the Blues last term.
So the 23-year-old will hope to be involved in this evening’s opening pre-season friendly against Irish top-flight outfit UCD (5pm kick-off).
And Cannon knows there is a lot of work to do in order to be fully prepared for the start of the League One campaign.
He said: “It was good to get back to work and see all of the other lads again following the summer break.
“I worked hard during the off season and right now I’m feeling really good, so I can’t wait to get out on the pitch.
“It’s all very well looking good when you’re training, but you have to make sure that transfers into the games.
"I worked hard during the off season and right now I’m feeling really good, so I can’t wait to get out on the pitch."
“Everything feels a bit different when you put on those shin pads and go out to play a proper football match.
“We just have to take these friendlies as they come along and try to make sure we keep building our fitness.
“It’s important to work hard and make sure we’re fully prepared for that first league game at Shrewsbury next month.”
The Pompey squad are staying in Dublin for a week to aid their preparations and help the summer signings bed in.
Cannon said: “All the new lads have settled in well and it’s good for everyone to be together, with a lot of training and our first friendly game.
“We’ve welcomed them in and they all seem like top guys. They’ve quickly been able to settle in with the group.”