Jackett lays down home challenge to Portsmouth

The Pompey boss believes it's down to his men to excite their supporters as his team return to Fratton Park on Saturday.

Jackett's side will be looking to end a run of 50 days without a League One victory on home soil against Fleetwood.

Joey Barton's troops arrive as the first match of a home double-banker with Burton Albion set to follow on Tuesday.

Jackett doesn't see performing in front of a packed Fratton crowd as a hindrance for his players.

The Pompey boss senses there is a natural desire from his club's following to get behind their team.

Jackett has been stressing he feels his men have to take on the next two games in upbeat fashion.

And the challenge for his side is to give their supporters reasons to be excited after a lengthy wait to watch a league victory '“ spanning defeat to Gillingham as well as draws against Wycombe and Shrewsbury.

Jackett said: '˜A big one is the players feeding off the crowd and the crowd off the players.

'˜It's a relationship. If that breaks down or there's no confidence there it's tough.

'˜There's a good bond and our crowd support the club fantastically well both home and away.

'˜They really get behind the players and we're thankful for that.

'˜We have a big crowd, but a positive crowd '“ and we have to give them reasons to be positive.

'˜They're looking for good things and looking for good players.

'˜They want to get behind their team.

'˜It's a privilege to work in those circumstances.'