It might have come as a surprise to some inside The New Lawn that Jay Mingi was making his full Football League debut.
But the midfielder marked his 22nd birthday with a superb performance to help Pompey secure a 1-0 victory at The New Lawn.
It was a confident display full of driving runs to put Rovers on the back foot, particularly in the opening 45 minutes.
Now a jubilant Mingi hopes that he has done enough to keep his place in the Blues’ starting line-up moving forward.
He said: “When I woke up I just knew that it had to be a good day for me and what better way to celebrate than putting in a positive performance and getting a win.
“I had an inkling that I was going to start on Thursday and then more of one on Friday before it was confirmed.
"I’m hungry for more – I always want more. That’s always the case and it would be the same if I was on top of the world."
“There were some nerves, but that’s just because I care a lot. I forget about that as soon as I’m on the pitch with the ball at my feet, though.
“I was so happy at half-time and just wanted more of the same. It died down a little after the break, but that match fitness will come.
“The calves and left hamstring had cramp, but that’s because I put in a good shift and I just need to keep playing and build consistency.
“I’m hungry for more – I always want more. That’s always the case and it would be the same if I was on top of the world.”
Pompey had gone four games without tasting victory, but Sean Raggett’s header ensured they left the Cotswolds with all three points.
Mingi said: “We needed that so bad because we hadn’t won for a while. It gives us some confidence and we need to build on it.
“There was plenty of resilience from us towards the end to dig in and we know what it takes to get that result.”
🎂 22nd birthday
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) October 22, 2022
☝️ First EFL start
➕ Three points
💙 A perfect day for @Jaymingi_ #Pompey pic.twitter.com/evI2Suk14L