Portsmouth captain Marlon Pack has played every minute since returning from a knee operation that delayed his Championship season. The experienced midfielder, who scored on his return at Ipswich, says he must maintain form amid squad competition.
Recovering from surgery meant the Pompey skipper missed the opening weeks of the campaign. However, since his substitute appearance and goal at Portman Road last month, he has been an ever-present in the matchday squad.
Pack understands that competition for places remains fierce and consistency is essential to retain his starting berth. Yet regardless of team selection, the captain believes his leadership responsibilities remain unchanged.
“It’s been a pretty relentless schedule and we’ve faced some very physical matches, but the knee has been fine,” Pack said.
“I’ve been out on the training pitch and featuring in every match, getting through the workload that’s required at this level.
“I’m certainly enjoying being back, but my outlook as skipper doesn’t change whether I’m in or out of the side.
“I had to break into the team because we started so well and now it’s up to me to keep the shirt by contributing on the pitch.
“I feel as though I’ve been consistent enough and am trying to use my experience to help what is still a fairly young group.”
Following victories against previously unbeaten Middlesbrough and a draw at Leicester either side of the international break, Pompey have suffered back-to-back home defeats.
Pack said: “We’re only losing by one goal and there have been a few ‘what if’ moments for us recently. We’re not going to be too negative because we’ve been in every game.
“There were times last season when we were comprehensively beaten and that’s almost easier to take – you can hold your hands up and say they were the better team.
“This division does feel more open – whether that’s the league itself or us becoming more established at this level.
“Now it’s about continuing that progress and trying to have a dominant performance for a whole match, rather than just spells.
“We’ve picked up some good points away from home so far. We’ve got a tough test at Birmingham this weekend and hopefully you’ll see a positive response from us.”
