Kenny Jackett has backed Alex Bass to keep improving after winning a spot in the Pompey side.
The young goalkeeper celebrated his recent elevation to the starting line-up by penning a three-and-a-half-year deal.
It is quite a rise for a player who had made just one league appearance before the start of the current campaign.
And Jackett is pleased to have both Bass and Craig MacGillivray battling for a place between the sticks.
The Blues boss said: “I’ve been very impressed with Alex ever since I’ve been here – he’s a terrific professional with a lot of ability.
“We’ve been impressed by the leap he’s made over the past couple of seasons and he’s grown bigger and stronger.
“Every aspect of his goalkeeping has improved in that time and I’m sure that he’ll only continue to get better.
"We’ve been impressed by the leap he’s made over the past couple of seasons and he’s grown bigger and stronger."
“I’m pleased he’s committed his future to us, and him and Craig are going to keep pushing each other to continue improving.
“I’ve been very pleased with both our senior keepers and their performances have been very good, but I wouldn’t define either of them as our out-and-out number one at the moment.
“Everybody wants to be playing, but a club cannot be successful with just 11 players – competition and rivalry brings out the best in people.”
Jackett has allowed his other goalkeeper Luke McGee to join Bradford on loan for the remainder of the season.
He said: “It’s a move that he really wanted because they are a big club and it’s an opportunity for him.
“Luke’s fallen down the pecking order here through no fault of his own, so I’m pleased that he’s got a good club.
“I’m sure he’ll do very well there and we obviously thank him for everything he’s done with us. We wish him all the best.”