Pompey have put the disappointment of missing automatic promotion behind them and are ready to get on with the job of securing third place in League One.

So says assistant boss Joe Gallen as the squad prepare to take on Accrington at Fratton Park and then find out who they will face in the play-off semi-finals. If they can win this last regular league game and end third, they will play Doncaster or Peterborough over two legs.

Gallen told the Pompey website: 'There was a lot of disappointment on Tuesday night, but it’s fair to say we’re back to normal and getting ready for Saturday. I think we have to put ‘if only’ to bed — automatic promotion isn’t going to happen, but we’re in the play-offs and want to finish as high as possible.

'Third is the best we can do, so that’s what we want to achieve. There is an opportunity to freshen the side up, but only if that gives us a better chance of winning. It’s not just about getting the game out of the way. We want to win it in front of a sell-out crowd at Fratton Park.

'Accrington have got very good technical footballers in their side and that makes them dangerous opponents.'

Gallen said it was no good worrying about who Pompey might or might not face in the knockouts that will decide who grabs the third promotion spot.

He added: 'The play-offs are exciting and there are always big atmospheres, but whoever we end up facing will be a very good side. I feel too much can be made of who you want to play. Come the day of the first game, I don’t think too many will want to face us.'

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