Pompey’s reigning Player of the Season admits he has not been totally satisfied with his performances this term.
But Sean Raggett has been in impressive form following the arrival of John Mousinho back in January.
In fact, the centre-back is the only member of the squad to have played every single minute under the new head coach.
With Clark Robertson returning to full fitness and Di’Shon Bernard waiting patiently for another opportunity, Raggett is aware he cannot let his standards drop.
And ahead of Saturday’s clash with struggling Forest Green, the 29-year-old knows the whole side have to be at their best if they are to make a late charge for the play-offs.
He said: “We have to be realistic and say that every game now – especially these ones at home – need to be wins.
“I’ve said from the day I arrived at the club that my aim is always to get promoted and we should be at a higher level. I’ve never shied away from that.
“People will look at the outside and say it’s an easy game against Forest Green, but we saw last weekend that they beat Sheffield Wednesday.
“When you get to this stage of the season, those clubs down the bottom also say it’s a must-win as they try to climb away from danger.
"I think it’s been a mixed bag for me personally. I set myself standards and there are times I could have done better."
“We’ve got good players in the squad pushing for a place and I love that – you need it in every position. It drives the standards of the team.
“I think it’s been a mixed bag for me personally. I set myself standards and there are times I could have done better.
“You work hard in training every day to play well on a Saturday or Tuesday, so when it doesn’t go to plan, it does get you down.
“All you can do, though, is learn from that and be ready to do better in the next game. You’ve got to put into perspective and try to pinpoint how you can change things.”
Raggett generated plenty of debate earlier this month following a meaty challenge on Sheffield Wednesday’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
It was celebrated by the Fratton faithful, but had the visitors up in arms and – unsuccessfully – calling for a red card.
“Even 10 years ago I think that everyone says it’s a great tackle,” said Raggett. “I thought it was a fair challenge.
“I can understand people looking at it and saying it’s reckless, but I was 100 per cent in control and I knew what I was doing.
“The ball was there to be won and I did so cleanly – I would certainly never go out to try to hurt a player.
“But with the way the game is at the moment, I can see why some reacted in the way that they did. I saw some of the comments and it was a very mixed bag!”