Pompey have hit the ground running in pre-season - and although pleased, Kenny Jackett is warning there is plenty of even harder work ahead as they prepare for their bid for League One glory in 2018-19.

They have been in Ireland since Monday and romped to a 4-1 win at Cork, but now head back to these shores to take on Havant and Waterlooville in the second most important match scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

Jackett told the club website: 'It’s been a very good week for us. The facilities have been first class and I’ve been pleased with the attitude of the players. We’re here to work and get fit — to focus on a big campaign ahead. We need to realise the opportunity we’ve got and maximise the potential in our squad.

'The players understand that pre-season is about hard work because you need to be ready as a squad and as individuals. Team spirit is important, but I’ve never seen great team spirit in a team that’s bottom of the league. You need to win and generally when that happens, people get on with each other.

'We play Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday and then deliberately step up to face league opposition in Stevenage and Swindon, while we’ve also got a behind-closed-door friendly against Brighton.

'So we’ll see how we go. I’ve been pleased with the players so far, but we’re only a week in and need to keep our heads down to work towards the challenges ahead.'

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