His words may have convinced few that things are about to change. Nevertheless, Kenny Jackett was talking about rolling up sleeves and raising confidence in the wake of a hugely disappointing display and result at Northampton.

A simply awful first half showing left the Blues four down at the break - and the fact they conceded no more in ending up 4-1 losers was of scant consolation to anyone.

The result left them 10 points off the top two with most worried about whether even a play-off spot is likely, rather than the outside chances of claiming an automatic place.

It's Sunderland at home next and if that goes to form, it will be a seventh defeat in 12 for Pompey since their promotion push was derailed by Hull in mid-January.

Jackett told the club website after the Sixfields surrender: 'Our defending was very poor, with the first three goals coming from a free-kick and then two headers from corners. And the fourth was from a ball over the top that we were in control of, but the wrong decision has been made.

'That gave us a mountain to climb and we’ve shot ourselves in the foot. That effectively ended the game. It’s frustrating because that’s something we’ve been very good at for a period of time. We got into a position where we left fighting for pride in the second half.

'We were able to get a goal back and we would have wanted more, but we understand Northampton were in control by then. We need to give ourselves a platform to build off if we want to have a chance to be able to go forward and do well.

'My focus is on where the players can improve — and obviously when you lose 4-1 there’s plenty of room for improvement.

'The confidence of some of the players can get low. It’s hard-earned and can go quickly, but there’s only one way to get it back. That’s to roll up your sleeves and work even harder. That certainly has to be the case for us moving forwards.”

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