Joe Morrell leads Pompey into an FA Cup battle with Paul Cook's Chesterfield on ITV on Sunday saying he's been delighted to captain the side in recent weeks.

His spell as skipper in the absence of injured Marlon Pack has seen the Blues continue their fine unbeaten start to the season - a record they will now put on the line in a different competition.

Morrell told the club website: 'I’m always hesitant to say that I’m playing well, but it’s certainly one of the best spells I’ve had. As you get older, you become a better player and I am probably coming towards my prime. I’ve learnt a lot of things over the years.

'A lot of it comes down to being part of a fantastic group of players, with a manager and style of play that really suits me. It’s been an honour to wear the armband and a proud moment – everyone knows how special this club is and what it means to me.

'We’ve got a fairly young team and with Marlon out, there’s a bit more responsibility to drive standards. The fact we’ve been able to pick up some points without him just shows the depth that’s in our squad.'

Morrell is expecting a stiff test for the Blues at Chesterfield, who also have Gary Roberts on the coaching staff and Tom Naylor and Michael Jacobs in their squad.

He added: 'I’ve never really done too much in the competition, although going to Spurs last season was fantastic. We know that Sunday is one of the worst draws we could have got because they’re not really a non-league team and they certainly don’t have a non-league manager.

'It will be a tough one for us and we’re treating it as if we’re facing a League One side because we know about the quality they’ve got. There are guys who have played here in the past and we definitely won’t be underestimating Chesterfield on Sunday.'

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