The towering defender has been in sensational form following his summer arrival from Manchester City.

Forging a water-tight defensive partnership with Sol Campbell, he has helped the Blues equal the club record for clean sheets in a campaign.

Little surprise then Distin has emerged as chief rival to David James in the battle to be crowned The News/ Sports Mail Pompey Player of the Year.

The Frenchman himself acknowledges this has been his finest season since arriving in the Premier League almost seven years ago.

And he's looking forward to capping it off with sixth spot and an FA Cup winner's medal.

He said: 'I've settled down pretty quickly with the team. The changing room has a great atmosphere, the players have helped a lot and the staff also.

'I have felt good on the pitch. I feel I'm getting old because in the morning I am feeling a bit stiff but apart from that I feel fine. I've missed two games, so physically I have managed to keep fit.

'Performance wise, this has been my best season.

'I actually think I am more consistent. I have had maybe one or two difficult games but altogether I think I have been more consistent than in the past.

'I used to lose my concentration once or twice sometimes and make a big mistake – then I would have two or three good games. At the moment I think I'm a bit more focused.

'I'm 30 now so I'm also bit more mature. I've got a bit more experience and that helps.

'I am at the point in my career when I'm not waiting for anything. I'm not playing for any top-four club so I don't have the pressure like you feel you have to succeed.

'For me, consistency is the main thing and that has helped me do more here in one season than I did in five with Manchester City.'

Distin has featured in 43 of Pompey's 45 matches so far this season – considerably more appearances than any of his team-mates.

Along the way he's been presented with the captaincy in defensive partner Campbell's absence.

But suggestions of being one of the frontrunners to be crowed player of the year are met with a modest shrug.

He added: 'I don't think about it at all. The most important thing for me are the results of the team.

'The reason I came here was to compete and do well as team, anything after that is a bonus.

'At the moment we are competing for a top-six spot and competing for the final so I am happy.'