Jack Whatmough took the defensive positives from Pompey's opening League One game - but the questions will be over whether Pompy have the right balance further forward.

Whatmough made his 100th appearance and impressed as the Blues drew 0-0 with Shrewsbury with a performance that did not offer much hope of success in the final third.

Fans will already be questioning whether much has changed since last season.

Whatmough told the club website: 'It was a tight game — which you expect in the first one of the season — and it’s a point on the board that gives us something to build on.

'Both sides have had chances from set-pieces and have hit the woodwork, but for us defensively, it was a good clean sheet.'

At least Whatmough's century was something to celebrate - and the defender now wants to stay injury-free and keep his place in the Pompey team for a long time to come.

He said: 'I probably would have liked to reach that milestone two or three years earlier and injuries have obviously held me back. Now I’m just looking forward to the next 100 because this is a great club to be at and I can’t really see my future anywhere else.

'The gaffer selected me on Tuesday night and then again for this game, so hopefully I can repay the favour by staying fully fit. I feel fine at the moment and it’s just about hoping the knee holds out, but I’ve done a lot of work with the physio and fitness coaches to make sure I can be in the best possible shape.'

Pompey had the better of chances but not many of them and will be disappointed not have kicked off with three points. Next in the league they go to Rochdale next Sunday - after a visit to Brighton in the League Cup on Thursday.

Pompey: MacGillivray; Johnson, Whatmough, Raggett, Brown; Naylor, Morris (Close 80); Harness (Williams 69), Evans (Cannon 55), Curtis; Marquis. Subs not used: Turnbull, Bolton, Pring, Harrison

Referee: Charles Breakspear

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