It was his first outing at Fratton Park for almost three months after being sidelined through injury.
So Clark Robertson was pleased to enter the fray as a half-time substitute in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Port Vale.
The centre-back also appeared from the bench late on during the previous weekend’s win at Bristol Rovers, then started a Hampshire Cup defeat at Bournemouth.
And they were all useful experiences for Robertson as he aims to make a positive impact during the final few weeks of the campaign.
Pompey’s skipper said: “It’s good to be back because it’s been a really tough three months – I’ve had that a few times here now.
“It’s not even a physical thing, but more the mental challenge of trying to get that sharpness back again.
“I felt better for having the hour or so at Bournemouth the previous Tuesday night and it’s just about building up.
"I have to show the manager what I can do and try to get as many minutes as possible during the remainder of the season."
“It doesn’t get any easier when you’re out, but that’s football and you need to get on with it. I know what’s expected of me.
“I had to be patient as well because the team have been doing well and that makes it harder to get back in.
“When I do get the chance, I have to show the manager what I can do and try to get as many minutes as possible during the remainder of the season.”
Pompey had to fight from two goals down to salvage a point against the Valiants, with Colby Bishop and Michael Jacobs on target.
Robertson said: “We knew what they would bring and their front two were a real handful – Ellis Harrison was probably more up for it than usual.
“It was a difficult first 45, but we regrouped and might have even nicked the victory right at the very end.
“Because we had to come from two goals down it was probably a point gained, but we need to be looking for more from these games.
“We’ve still got eight matches remaining and have to try to win as many as possible to see where that takes us.”