Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett says that the anticipation is building for his side ahead of the FA Cup third round tie against Bristol City.
The League One club travel to Ashton Gate tomorrow to face the Robins, with Pompey set to play for the first time in three weeks after having the games against Swindon Town and Bristol Rovers over Christmas cancelled due to a COVID-19 outbreak, before their fixture with Accrington Stanley was called off due to a frozen pitch last weekend.
As a result, Pompey have had time to recover some players from injury, while those who were self-isolating due to coronavirus are now also back in contention.
And Jackett has confirmed that Portsmouth are going into the game with a clean bill of health, adding that he is relishing the chance to take on Dean Holden's depleted Bristol City as the League One side eye an upset.
However, Jackett has warned his players that it will not be any easier for them, despite City being without as many as 12 players due to injuries and unavailability.
"We are looking forward to the game, all of us are. The anticipation is building in training, the players are enthusiastic in training. They look as if they are ready to get playing again as well," he said, speaking to our sister site Hampshire Live.
"Bristol City are a genuine top half of the Championship team, they’ll be chasing the play-off positions and ultimately, a Premier League place. That’s the type of club and the level of club that we will go to on Sunday.
"We want to do well, give a good account of ourselves. Get back to playing and playing well quickly as well. We don’t want any hangover from the last few weeks, missed a few games and just generally, we are looking forward to it.
"We understand and appreciate the quality of the opposition but it’s a challenge that we want to rise to.
"They are a very good team, very good club. Will be and always are chasing the top six.
"An established club in the top half of the Championship which is a very good standard. Whichever side they put out and I am sure it is going to be strong as well, they are going to be a strong test for us."
However, Jackett insists that his side will be confident as they look to cause an upset against Holden's men.
"We always aim to," he said.
"We always aim to win but we are under no illusions to how hard the game is and the standard of club and standard of players that we are going to play."
