He started last season in Pompey's defence - but didn't stay there long. He started this season in Pompey's defence - and hopes it be a longer-lasting role this time.

Drew Talbot was Kenny Jackett's choice to play at right-back against Rochdale on Saturday as Gareth Evans was used farther forward.

Talbot was pleased to get a rare chance to shine and hopes to be involved when Pompey go to Cardiff in the League Cup on Tuesday night.

He told the club website: 'I didn’t really expect to play. I had to mentally prepare myself for that. My last game had been against Bristol Rovers in the Checkatrade Trophy last November, so it’s been tough — mentally more than anything else.

'You have to make sure you don’t lose that confidence in your ability and when I came back for pre-season the gaffer just told me to have a go. He hadn’t named the team on Friday, but I was involved in the shape work we were doing for set-pieces, so that was a clue.

'I always prepare myself to play, even when I knew that I wouldn’t be involved because you have to be professional. It’s nice to get that win on the first day of the season because there’s always a little bit of added pressure.'

Talbot was pleased to help the Blues get off and running with a win, adding: 'We weren’t brilliant, but at this stage of the season it’s all about results and you start to find your feet after the opening few games.'

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