Louis Thompson says he needs to build on his energetic performance against Cheltenham - and Pompey need to build on their improved results of late.

The 26-year-old midfielder is still feeling his way into the first team picture at Fratton but fans liked what they saw from him in his 70-minute display on Tuesday night.

He says he is enjoying his football - and he wants to be part of a Blues side that now puts a good run together after an up and down start to the campaign.

They host Harrow in the first round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Thompson told the Pompey website: 'I’ve got to build on that game, but I’m certainly pleased to be out there and the body is feeling good. It’s really easy to forget the rhythm that you get into when you’re out there playing week in, week out.

'I’m happy with where I am physically at the moment and feel that I’ve been making some really good progress. I don’t think I’m far away from 90 minutes at all and could have done it on Tuesday, but Willo (Shaun Williams) was probably able to provide more quality in those closing stages with where my legs were at.

'There have been times in the past where I’ve felt tired, pushed through that and then paid the price for doing so. I’ve learnt from that and am in a much better place — both physically and mentally. That experience is key.

'I’m pain free at the moment and enjoying my football — which, ultimately, is what I’ve been looking for.'

Thompson said of the Cheltenham draw: 'It was frustrating because we could have gone on to win, but we showed some character after falling behind. Now we need to build on that and continue to improve. We’ll work hard on the training pitch to find solutions to our problems.

'We know there’s enough quality in our squad to go on and win more games and, ultimately, we need to be doing that. Everyone strives for perfection, but it’s a work in progress. We have to stick together.'

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