Paddy Lane is ready to make up for lost time after missing the start of the season with an ankle injury.
The winger is hoping to make his first League One start of the season when Pompey visit Derby on Saturday.
He has appeared from the bench in recent weeks and was on the pitch from the beginning of cup ties with Fulham and Peterborough.
And after returning from international duty with Northern Ireland, Lane is eager for more minutes on the pitch.
He said: “I’ve just been working my way in after getting injured in pre-season and played a few cup games.
“I felt back to myself in the tie with Peterborough that we lost on penalties and have been doing well in training.
"I’m fully fit and raring to go, so it’s just about continuing to work hard in training and waiting for my chance."
“The gaffer and medical team were superb with me, so hopefully I can keep going and build on my form from the end of last season.
“I got back earlier than expected and just wanted to be on the pitch with the lads because you don’t want to be watching the start of the season from the stands.
“I’m fully fit and raring to go, so it’s just about continuing to work hard in training and waiting for my chance.”
There could be around 30,000 people inside Pride Park to watch a contest between two of the division’s best supported sides.
Lane said: “It’s going to be an unreal day in terms of atmosphere and we want to put on a real show for our fans.
“We produced a good performance there near the end of last season and it’s one of those matches that already feels like a ‘six-pointer’.
“You have to relish that pressure. The lads here are brilliant and we’ve got a great group, but we need to just take it one game at a time.”