Richie Barker has admitted turning round Pompey's fortunes is a bigger task than he expected.

He told the BBC: 'I thought it would only need small changes to get us back into the top half. Within the first two to three weeks I recognised the changes would have to be fairly big.

'If I'm honest, I thought the team would be closer to the top half in terms of form, in terms of mentality and in terms of technical and tactical ability.'

Meanwhile Pompey go to Chesterfield for Monday night's live TV fixture without Daniel Alfei and Michael Drennan, who have been called up by the Wales and Republic of Ireland under-21 squads.

The Blues are hoping Joe Devera and Ryan Taylor can prove their fitness after recent injuries to replace the duo in their squad.

Can Pompey get a point - or even three - at Chesterfield? Discuss it on our forum.

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Portsmouth Polls