Those who say February can't be worse than January are not technically correct. The first month of the year did bring one point (out of a possible 12). February could, God forbid, bring none.

But in a month of five games, Blues fans will hope for a much better return - and a positive result at home to Doncaster this weekend could be the springboard that brings perhaps nine or 10 points and propels Kenny Jackett's team back into the play-off picture.

The top six, which Pompey were in a few weeks back, is five points away as the Blues host their beaten rivals for last season's League Two title. Still, Pompey are in a pretty healthy position with 17 games to go, one most would have settled for before the start of the campaign.

Pompey can only go up one place with a win over Doncaster, who are in the mid-table group of clubs the Blues will be pulled into if they go another couple of games without a win.

Jackett is expecting a stern test from Darren Ferguson's Rovers, who did the double over Paul Cook's Blues last season.

He told the club website: 'They’ve had a very good run up until last week and I’ve been impressed with what they have done. But we want to put on a really positive show for our supporters. If we can show the right levels of quality and enthusiasm then they will get behind us.

'Performances haven’t really dipped that much lately, but the bottom line is results and hopefully we can get the one we want on Saturday.'

Likely to be making a second Pompey debut is keeper Stephen Henderson, who has returned to Fratton on loan for the rest of the season nearly six years after he departed.

He told the club site: 'My time here before was very short — that was out of my hands as everybody knows. I never really got settled after that. The club needed money back then and told me I was sold, but I’m back now, so it’s happy days.

'I’m looking to pick up where I left off and perform in front of the best supporters that — to this day — I’ve ever played under. I’ve always kept an eye on Pompey. There’s a good manager and good players, so with this fan-base the only way is up.'

Also bidding to make his debut is Anton Walkes, who could feature in midfield or, if Nathan Thompson is switched to midfield, at right-back.

Adam May is banned but there are no new injury concerns for Jackett.

For Doncaster, John Marquis leads the line and, to be blunt, is bound to score at least one - with more goals against Pompey in his last two encounters than he scored for the club.

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