The winning feeling has returned to Fratton Park since John Mousinho was installed as head coach.
There have been 10 points taken from a possible 12, including Saturday’s comprehensive dismantling of Cheltenham.
And Joe Morrell knows that another success against in-form Bolton on Tuesday evening would be a good gauge of how much they have improved.
The Blues were beaten twice at Wanderers just prior to Mousinho’s arrival, but the Wales international believes they are now in a much better place.
He said: “The gaffer is implementing ideas that I think are paying off and we’ve all enjoyed working under him so far.
“We know we’re still a long way off where we can be and nobody’s getting carried away, but it’s been a promising start for sure.
“We’ve probably won the games we should be winning and we’re still missing that statement victory against one of the top sides in the division.
"If you want to be a good team in this division, then you have to beat good teams – which Bolton certainly are"
“There’s a chance to do that on Tuesday. We obviously had a couple of meetings with Bolton last month, but I think they’ll see a different Pompey.
“We were going through a pretty rough path at the time and struggling to find an identity – which was understandable without a permanent manager.
“So this is a chance to put those losses straight and if you want to be a good team in this division, then you have to beat good teams – which Bolton certainly are.”
Morrell has been one of the most consistent performers under Mousinho’s charge, but is not feeling complacent.
He said: “I’m fairly pleased and know what I’m capable of – it’s just a case of being fit and since the World Cup, I’ve managed to find that rhythm.
“I think I’m the kind of footballer who is better the more they play and want to be out there for every minute until the end of the season.
“So I’m content with my performances of late and happy to be contributing, but always want to be the best I can be and know I’m still capable of doing more.”