Pompey are on their way back, or at least that is what their long-suffering supporters hope.

Less than a decade ago they were dancing around Wembley with the FA Cup, but since then they've been to the basement division and had to fight their way back. If their collapse is a warning to other Premier League teams, their rise is an example of how to do things properly.

Their recruitment has been very good, picking up non-league bargains and blending them with some experienced heads. This season, a League of Ireland player has added strength, depth and more importantly goals.

Which other side would drop their 20-goal leading scorer of one season and still come out smelling of roses?

This is a strong Portsmouth side, a team equipped to fight to the very end for a place in the Championship. If they achieve it, these three players will surely finally get the praise they deserve.

Naylor is an experienced head and has helped give Portsmouth a solid, organised feel in the middle of the park.

They've built their side around being hard to break down and great on the break and Naylor fits into both those phases of play nicely.

He's got the experience to help some of their exciting younger players on as well.

Close is one of those exciting players who might not be earning the plaudits right now, but could well be spoken of highly by the end of the season.

He's full of energy, as you'd expect from a youngster, but he's also showing acute awareness on the field.

He's clearly learning from the experience around him and he might be a big player for Pompey this season and beyond.

Last year he was the big name, this year he has to be the unsung hero. Whatever has happened between Pitman and Jackett, it hasn't stopped the striker fighting hard for a place.

It must be tough, being dropped after such a wonderful campaign last time out, but to come on and get the goal on Saturday showed him for what he is; a true professional both when things are going well and when they're not so good.