Almost 18 months separates Alex Bass’ two league appearances for Pompey.
He first appeared in a 2-0 victory over Peterborough at Fratton Park on the final day of the 2017/18 campaign.
And with Craig MacGillivray away on international duty, the 21-year-old keeper then started last month’s goalless home draw with Gillingham.
Patience is certainly a virtue when you are a back-up stopper, but Bass knows he has to be ready at any time.
“The gaffer showed a lot of faith in me – and the whole team – by deciding to play the Gillingham game with a few players missing on the international weekend,” he says in the official matchday magazine for tonight’s clash with Southend.
"You’ve got to have the mindset of always being ready because you never know when you’re going to be called upon."
“I probably touched the ball about six times in those two league games, but all you can do is try to keep a clean sheet and thankfully I did that on both occasions.
“You’ve got to have the mindset of always being ready because you never know when you’re going to be called upon.
“Something could happen to Craig at any point during the season and so it’s important to be prepared.
“You train hard and keep working until the chance comes along. Hopefully they will be there for me and I just have to keep doing the business in training.”
To read the full interview – where Bass also discusses joining Pompey as a teenager and his cricketing past – pick up your copy of the magazine from programme sellers around the ground.
Also in issue 12, Andy Cannon reveals his bests and worsts, while Luke McGee selects his dream dinner party guests.
We take an extensive look at Southend, while there are exclusive columns from chief executive Mark Catlin, manager Kenny Jackett, skipper Naylor and broadcaster Ian Darke.
All this and much, much more can be found in a packed 84 pages, with the programme still priced just £3.