Conor Chaplin says the quality Pompey have in forward areas offers excitement for the rest of the season.

The loan recruit from Ipswich Town made his second Blues debut at Southampton on Sunday and helped John Mousinho's team gain a 0-0 draw and come away with plenty of credit.

Chaplin said the team's performance held much to admire and fans could be confident about the challenges ahead in 25-26 with the squad that had been assembled.

He also admitted to a little disappointment they'd not come away with the win.

Chaplin told the club media: 'I’m proud of the boys and the football club – we’ve come to a side that were in the Premier League last season and were the better team for large parts. We had chances to score – and that’s in both halves because we were a real threat on the counter-attack in the second half.

'After a game like that there’s an excitement about what’s to come, but also a tinge of disappointment because we could have won it. That’s a nice feeling to have – that there’s still a little bit more to give from us. It’s a really good sign for the future.

'I’ve seen the quality and togetherness in this squad, so I wasn’t surprised with how we played. Everyone can count on each other. It puts us in good stead for the rest of the season, as does the fact that we’ve got real quality in those forward areas and will score goals.”

Chaplin was delighted to face Southampton ih his first game back at Fratton and is now looking forward to another Fratton bow, for Saturday's clash with Sheffield Wednesday.

He added: 'You couldn’t write it! It was a great occasion to come back for and definitely added to the anticipation of me returning.'

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