It could be the under-statement of the season - Bolton v Pompey described as being as 'interesting contest'.

But it's the phrase John Mousinho used as he said Pompey would love to get promotion sealed this weekend - while also warning that they were up against a side with plenty to play for themselves.

A Pompey win would secure the League One title and promotion and while other sets of results could also result in the rise to the Championship being clinched, the likelihood is the Blues drawing or losing at the Toughsheet Stadium would mean the promotion race moving on to Tuesday's clash with Barnsley.

Mousinho told the club website: 'In an ideal world we’d get it sorted this weekend and that’s certainly what we’ll be striving to do. It’s obviously not going to be easy, though, and it’s a tough game that we’ll need to approach in the right way.

'We’re facing a side with plenty to play for themselves and it should be an interesting contest, but the rewards are there if we get the job done. Bolton are a really good side – they have fantastic players and are well coached. You’re in for a decent test whenever you go there.

'We know our fans will help create an excellent atmosphere, especially because excitement is building as we get nearer to what we want to achieve. We hope they have a great time and can get carried away, but our focus is making sure we concentrate on the game.

'The pressure has been getting stronger – and we’ve felt that – and it’s why we identified players in the summer who can cope with that.'

There is good news on the fitness of two players, as Pompey’s previously packed treatment room continues to clear.

Mousinho said Tom Lowery was fit to be in the squad to face Bolton - while Callum Lang was set to return to it in time for the Barnsley match.

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