Kenny Jackett is hoping the midweek League Cup win over Birmingham will have given his players the confidence needed to open their League One account at home to Tranmere this weekend.

Last weekend brought a disappointing loss at Shrewsbury to kick off the 2019-20 league season but a double from Ellis Harrison and Ben Close's volley lifted spirits on Tuesday.

Now promoted Tranmere arrive to give Pompey their first home league test of the new season.

Ross McCrorie is available after serving a one-match ban, while John Marquis is in contention after missing the last game when his partner went into labour.

Jackett told www.portsmouthfc.co.uk: 'We needed the game on Tuesday because we weren’t at our best against Shrewsbury, although we were unlucky to lose. It gave us the opportunity to show everyone the new dynamics of the team and what we’re working towards.

'Hopefully that will help us as we build to what’s a really big game for us now against Tranmere at Fratton Park. Squad planning is for 10 months and not just one game because you need a strong bench if you want to win promotion, which is obviously our objective.

'We’ve got players back and the group needs to work as one, with everyone getting behind the guys that do play. We’re certainly looking to get everything right on the day and collect those first three points of the season.'

Pompey say James Bolton (ankle) is still doubtful for Pompey, while Bryn Morris (groin), Jack Whatmough (knee) and Ryan Williams (quad) are definitely out.

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