Danny Rose says it's not just new signings who will make Pompey stronger next season.

The midfielder - who will be champing at the bit to prove his fitness in pre-season after his broken leg - reckons the Blues' emerging young players can give them a significant boost too.

With the likes of Jamal Lowe, Ben Close and Brandon Haunstrup having had impressive seasons in Pompey's first season after promotion to League One, the hope is they'll be that little bit stronger second time around.

Rose told The News: 'We’ll be judged on results. If we can improve on last season we’ll be in the play-offs. The manager is looking to make that improvement by the type of players he’s bringing in and improving the players already here.

‘That’s particularly the case with the younger players who gained invaluable experience over this season.’

Rose is pleased to see Pompey getting some new faces through the doors at this end of the close-season. He added: 'It’s encouraging that the manager is looking to do business quickly. Hopefully he can have all his signings in place for when we go away in pre-season.

‘The loan signings usually happen a bit later, but that would be positive. ‘That would allow us to go away on the trip to Ireland, bed in and get to know each other. That could then allow us to create a strong team spirit.

‘That can help get that extra few per cent when you all work harder for each other. That extra one or two per cent can get you over the line.’

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