The play-offs are often described as a lottery and can throw up plenty of tense moments.
But Ronan Curtis is excited about being involved in two massive contests with Sunderland over the next week.
Pompey travel north for Saturday’s first leg, then welcome the Black Cats to a packed Fratton Park on Thursday.
A place at Wembley and possible promotion to the Championship is at stake – and Curtis is eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.
The winger said: “The league’s over and we had a good season in finishing fourth – now we’re looking forward to the play-offs.
“We’ve got 180 minutes ahead and hopefully we can perform well over the two legs to make it back to Wembley.
"I can’t wait to get out there now. It feels like a cup competition and everyone needs to keep digging in deep."
“There have been big games that we’ve won already this season and so we can certainly go there with confidence.
“It’s about taking things step-by-step and keeping our focus – everyone knows what we’ve got to do in these matches.
“The games will be massive for both clubs and I’m sure they’ll be looking to get back at us for what happened in the Checkatrade Trophy.
“So we need to do what’s necessary and make sure our bodies are on the line to get the result we’re looking for.
“A draw could be a good result in the first leg, although we’re obviously looking to win at Sunderland – and that’s the mindset we’ll take there.
“I can’t wait to get out on the pitch now. It feels like a cup competition and everyone needs to keep digging in deep.”
Curtis has impressed in his first campaign in English football, reaching double figures for goals and topping the club’s assist chart.
He sad: “I’ve been pleased with the progress I’ve made since coming here – and that’s also down to my family, team-mates and the staff.”