Pompey have shown that they are capable of competing on multiple fronts this season.
Kenny Jackett’s side are on a run of five successive victories, with those games coming in three different competitions.
Only goal difference currently keeps them out of the League One play-off places, while a midweek victory over Scunthorpe booked a place in the semi-finals of the Leasing.com Trophy.
Now Jackett is hoping his troops can beat Championship opposition in the form of Barnsley to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The Blues boss said: “I understand the financial aspect of it has to be considered, but for the guys at the training ground it’s just about progressing.
“We’ve had plenty of cup games already this season and they certainly do get bigger the further you go.
“We want to win games and build confidence – it’s a good habit to get into. We also want to entertain our supporters.
"These cup ties are one-off games and players can produce big performances against sides from a few levels up. That’s the appeal of them."
“We’re taking on a Championship side on Saturday and the potential for what lies after that is our motivation.
“Barnsley have been very good since the new manager’s been in there and looked effective, especially going forward.
“But these cup ties are one-off games and players can produce big performances against sides from a few levels up. That’s the appeal of them.
“It’s a test for us and one we should enjoy – it would be great to get through in a cup competition for the second time this week.”
Jack Whatmough played the full 90 minutes against Scunthorpe in his first game since recovering from a serious knee injury.
Jackett said: “He played well and it didn’t look like he’d been out for nearly a year – which is credit to him.
“I thought he handled the game impressively and didn’t let anyone down, but we obviously have to be sensible with him.
“You have to be careful about when he trains and how much he does, to make sure his workload is spot on.
“But he’s generally in very good shape and the knee has been good since Tuesday – it’s just about using our common sense.”