Lee Brown has recently recovered from an Achilles injury that kept him out of action for six weeks.
But the left-back went straight back into the starting line-up for last Saturday’s hard-fought victory at Doncaster.
He replaced academy graduate Brandon Haunstrup, who had proved to be an able deputy during the more senior player’s absence.
And Brown knows that his best form has to be found quickly if he is to keep his place in the Blues back-line.
He said: “The injury was frustrating, although it was during that period when a lot of league games were cancelled.
“But missing the Southampton match in particular was disappointing – I kept setting myself targets and they kept getting pushed back.
"There’s obviously a bit of pressure on me because of how Brandon played, but that’s exactly how it should be."
“I always want to play, but there was no point taking a risk and Brandon did well when he came into the team.
“The manager’s shown a lot of faith in me and that’s something I’m very grateful for. Now I’ve got to repay that.
“There’s obviously a bit of pressure on me because of how Brandon played, but that’s exactly how it should be.”
Pompey will look to record a third successive League One victory when they welcome Gillingham to Fratton Park on Saturday.
Brown said: “We’re at home and need a good, dominant performance after two wins on the bounce to really get the fans back onside.
“Gillingham aren’t going to be any slouches, though. We can’t just turn up and get the points, so will be have to be up for it.”
Brown was appointed Pompey’s vice-captain by Kenny Jackett last month, deputising for new skipper Tom Naylor.
He said: “It’s a massive honour for me. There might be a slight change, but it won’t really affect how I do things.”