Bid for record will not distract Portsmouth players

Kenny Jackett's men stand on the verge of equalling their best start to a season as they go to the Keepmoat Stadium.

Victory would make it five league wins on the bounce and match the opening to the 1979-80 campaign under Frank Burrows.

But Blues assistant manager Joe Gallen  doesn't believe knowing that will be the case will weigh heavily on the players' shoulders.

Gallen said: '˜I understand the fans and the history but it's tough for me to focus on that. It just is.

'˜I didn't know a win would equal the best start.

'˜I hope we're talking about the best start ever after the game  but I don't focus on it.

'˜I'm not sure about the players but I'm pretty sure they' ll be the same.

'˜Within that, though, I don't want to be flippant.

'˜I know it's the history of the club and there are people who have gone all their lives and have dads and grandads who did the same.

'˜I m a fan myself but, for me, there are other things to worry about.' 

Gallen could understand local players being more aware of the record start but Pompey's focus is simply on maintaining their good form.

He added: '˜Maybe the lads who are born and brought up in the area can feel things.

'˜T hey might have their parents, family or mates going on about it.

'˜From our point of view, though, we just want to keep our winning run going.

'˜That is where our focus is. That' s the be all and end all.'