We Believe

AFTER the Pilgrims picked up a vital three points following Tuesday night’s 2-0 victory over Northampton Town in Sky Bet League One, Argyle manager Derek Adams believes self-belief is pouring back into his side.

Having only lost once in their last eight matches some Adams is starting to feel his side’s confidence rising ahead of a match where that confidence will be needed – against Portsmouth at Fratton Park. 

“The players are beginning to show their confidence in themselves, as they know the confidence I have in them,” said Derek. 

“I’ve said all along we have a good squad and we have competed well with all teams in this division and haven’t got the results we have deserved at times.” 

The faith Derek has shown in his players is starting to show through recent performances, with the Argyle manager making only a handful of enforced changes to the starting eleven in recent weeks due to suspensions and injuries.

He said: “If you look at my team selection I’ve always had a continuity and that shows the faith I have in the players. If they give me 100% effort I’m happy with them as they have the technical, tactical ability to do well.” 

With five former Pompey players in Argyle’s squad this season - Nadir Ciftci, Jake Jervis, Toumani Diagouraga, Sonny Bradley, Ryan Taylor – Derek’s men have a familiarity of their hosts, and some will looking to prove a point. 

Taylor, is not yet fit, and does not travel to Pompey. Neither do long term injury victims Oscar Threlkeld, Ryan Taylor, Luke McCormick, Kyle Letheren, Robbert Te Loeke and Jamie Ness. Ryan Edwards serves the second match of his two-game ban.