Danny Hollands enjoying Pompey pressure

The Blues are fourth after 11 matches – an opening period which also saw them top League Two for 72 hours.

With fan and board expectation of a promotion push, Paul Cook’s side are remaining in touch at the right end of the table.

Despite two disappointing results at Fratton Park in the past week, Pompey take to the road for their next two fixtures, with only one league defeat to date.

Hollands is fully aware of the expectations having initially arrived in March 2014.

And the midfielder, who has started two and been a used substitute in the past three fixtures, relishes the challenge.

He said: ‘It’s enjoyable pressure. People are expecting something from us.

‘It’s nice to have these things. We’ll just keep our feet on the floor, working hard in training and turn up and work hard for the games.

‘It’s nice to play but I get my head down and take it as it comes. As long as we’re winning games, that’s what matters.

‘If we can keep doing the things we are, there’s enough quality here to present a good challenge to win the league.’

Cook’s men are currently three points off leaders Plymouth, who, incidentally, the Blues defeated at Home Park in August.

On Saturday they head to Cambridge United – a team surprisingly occupying 15th spot despite a large-scale overhaul in the summer.

New arrivals for Richard Money consisted of Pompey target Barry Corr.

The Blues then head to bottom side Newport County, who last week sacked Terry Butcher and appointed John Sheridan.