The loss of Clark Robertson seems to have been pivotal to Pompey losing their way in the early part of the League One season. But Sean Raggett says the rest of the defenders just have to get on and cope as best they can without him.

And that's what they aim to do at home to Bolton this weekend in their first Fratton runout since the surrendering of the points against Ipswich less than a fortnight ago.

Raggett is likely to be part of a back four again against the Trotters after he was partnered with Connor Ogilvie at Accrington - after Danny Cowley dropped the back three formation that had struggled against Ipswich and Rotherham.

Raggett told the Pompey website: 'I’ve got more experience of that formation, but I personally feel comfortable in either of those systems. Having Connor back — who has experience of being in the middle of defence — has definitely helped us change back.

'We’ve obviously lost Clark Robertson and we’d played together briefly before at Rotherham, so already had the start of a partnership. It was frustrating that he got injured, but these things happen in football and you’ve just got to adapt. It can’t be an excuse.'

Pompey's players are glad to have had a free midweek as they plan for three home games in eight days - against Bolton and Cheltenham in the league and then Harrow in the FA Cup next weekend.

Raggett said: 'There have been a lot of games, so you don’t always get much time to really work on things in training. But we’ve been able to get out on the pitches all of this week and concentrate on some aspects that can help us.

'It was a much more positive display at Accrington last Saturday and now we have to build on that result. Bolton look a really strong side and will still have that high from winning promotion at the end of last season.

'We know it’s going to be a tough game between two very big clubs — I’m sure the atmosphere will be as great as always.'

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