Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett has revealed that his side haven't been at their best going forward of late, but that they'll have to improve on that if they're going to make Wembley for a second time this season.

Pompey have already bagged the EFL Trophy, but that will seem a hollow victory if they lose out to Sunderland over two legs in the play-off semi-final.

Chris Maguire's goal has given the Black Cats something to defend at Fratton Park and Jackett knows his side must be better going forward, if they're to revisit the home of English football in the play-off final.

"For a few games, going forward we haven't necessarily been at our best," he told Portsmouth.co.uk.

"I do think we have been competitive and tough, all those things we were in Saturday's game. But, going forward as a side, have we been at our absolute maximum? Not necessarily."

That's something he feels his side must, and can, improve on this week as they look to overturn Sunderland's slender lead.

"Are we capable of getting to that Thursday night? Yes, we will need that to win. I don’t think we have been poor defensively, but in attack we haven’t quite been as incisive or had those moments."

The two sides meet tomorrow for the fifth and final time this season with a place in the final at stake, where either Doncaster or Charlton await.

The Verdict

With the players Pompey have going forward, you do have to expect more.

Jamal Lowe and Ronan Curtis are a real threat and with Hawkins, Pitman, Bogle and Vaughan vying for places they should offer a serious threat.

They'll need a goal to bring the tie level, but Jackett is right; they have to be better than they have been in recent weeks.

They've not got the key players in right positions and it could cost them dearly.