Much was written about Ryley Towler’s potential when he joined Pompey from Bristol City in January.
But the centre-back has shown that he can make an immediate impact since arriving on the south coast.
He has not missed a single minute of League One action since the appointment of John Mousinho as head coach.
Towler admits that he is not yet the finished article, but is loving the opportunity to keep developing with the Blues
The 20-year-old said: “I’m really enjoying myself and not really looking too far ahead – just taking every game as it comes.
“When you come to a new club there are never any assurances you’re going to start, so you have to work hard and earn your place.
"This is the best job in the world. Waking up every day and being able to play football – it doesn’t get better than that."
“You’re learning little things every single day and I always come into training looking for that to continue.
“I feel like I’ve settled in here and have loved playing alongside a great group of lads and with a brilliant gaffer.
“This is the best job in the world. Waking up every day and being able to play football – it doesn’t get better than that.
“I think we’ve been doing well and hopefully we can build on the win against Burton by picking up three points at Lincoln.”
Towler has been partnered with Sean Raggett in each of those six starts, which have included three victories and the same number of clean sheets.
He said: “Raggs is quality – he’s a brick wall. He’s always giving me tips and advice in training and has been absolutely brilliant.
“He just seems to get above and in front of everyone when he’s on the pitch. He’s so strong and has been doing it for years, so there’s a lot of experience.”