Ben Close is playing it cool after getting some long-awaited first-team Pompey action - and vowing to keep working hard to make sure he gets more minutes.

He has had to play a waiting game while successive managers have tried numerous other players in central midfield. But he came on as a sub at Northampton last weekend then started the weekend win over Fleetwood.

Close told The News: 'I had a good feeling I was going to be starting on Friday then found out on Saturday. Despite coming on at Northampton, I didn’t get a feel for the side until we got closer to the game.

‘But as a player you always need to be ready and available to play. Players can get injured in warm-ups and you’ve got to make sure you can take that chance. I’ve been working hard in training.

‘I will always give 100 per cent, even if I don’t find myself in the team. There’s even more reason to impress the manager and take your chance if you’re not in the side. It’s now up to the manager to see if I’ll keep my place.

‘We’ll have to see but I’m delighted to have played 90 minutes and pick up a great result.’

Pompey go to Scunthorpe on Saturday then host Bristol Rovers and Oldham next week.

Follow @Pompey_Fans

Click here to sign up for an account and reserve your username! You can then post on the Forum and add your comments to articles

Photo: Action Images

Portsmouth Polls