It will be great to see Distin back at Pompey

With the Frenchman at the heart of our defence we won the FA Cup, competed in Europe and finished in the top-10 of the Premier League.

It was a wonderful period when the club possessed a squad full of world-class players.

Sylvain was a shining example of the team Harry built – and credit for him to still be playing football.

Now with Bournemouth, he’ll be likely to line-up for Eddie Howe’s side in the FA Cup fourth round fixture.

The match has long been a sell-out and there is always something magic about the FA Cup.

I know Sylvain, who is now aged 38, will also receive a tremendous reception from the Fratton faithful in recognition of his time here.

Hopefully the result will be better than last weekend’s 1-0 defeat against Oxford United, which was disappointing for us all.

Michael Appleton’s side came and did a job, stopping us doing what we do best in an interesting contest.

I suppose you can look back at Marc McNulty’s shot which was cleared off the line by Jake Wright in the 19th minute and contemplate what could have been.

In a game of few goalscoring opportunities that was crucial, but it is all buts and maybes.

Instead they scored during our best spell in match which was always going to be decided by a mistake or something special.

Jordan Bowery did the latter and the lad probably won’t strike a ball like that often.

It was so well-placed on the run and gave Ryan Fulton no chance on his debut. With Bowery striking it early and with pace, as a keeper it catches you while still trying to get into the stance position, with the ball it moving away from you.

Looking at Fulton’s overall performance in place of the injured Brian Murphy he gave a good presence, but we’ll see in six matches time.

He did all the basic goalkeeping stuff well and definitely gets a thumbs up from me for the second save after Liam Sercombe’s penalty.

I am also not getting carried away with being seven points off third place, there are still many twists and turns ahead.

Finally, best of luck to the Pompey Amputee side who are in action this weekend.

They take on Peterborough and Arsenal at Park Community School in Havant on Sunday, January 31.

The event lasts from 12-4pm and Danny Hollands will also be in attendance cheering them on.