New Pompey first-team fixture aiming to remain

Now the midfielder is bidding to remain there – with no red card this time interrupting his presence.

The 27-year-old has represented something of a surprise hit at Fratton Park following a low-key arrival.

Initially a triallist, it wasn’t until October before the midfielder was granted a maiden league start.

It was a run of five matches which ended through an Abbey Stadium sending off rather than the quality of his performances.

Linganzi remained on the fringes until February’s trip to Wycombe, as Paul Cook reverted to the 4-2-3-1 system, partnering Michael Doyle in the holding roles.

He is expected to tonight line-up against Morecambe (7.45pm), signifying a sixth-successive Blues start.

Just reward for a player who has impressed the Fratton faithful and netted a maiden goal for the club at Carlisle last weekend.

Linganzi said: ‘I am doing okay, I’m lucky to have Michael Doyle on my side because he is experienced and helps me a lot on the pitch.

‘That has been important to me.

‘My debut was at Coventry in the EFL Cup and I then played some games, but then got the red card.

‘I always felt okay on the pitch, though, even though my family was not here at the time.

‘After that sending off, Paul Cook gave me time to go to France and I needed that to spend time with my family. I am thankful for that and came back with them.

‘I’m enjoying playing for this club, it is a special club, and I want to stay in the team for as long as I can.

‘I am here until the end of the season, I cannot look further than that, but it is going well for me.

‘Danny Rose was doing a good job in the club before I came into the side and sometimes in football it is not just about the pitch but off it.

‘It’s about how you create a good atmosphere, which creates it on the pitch as well.

‘The most important thing is to win this league, though.

‘As a Christian, I have learned to be unselfish. If Rosey or Doyler plays instead of me, it’s not a problem, I will keep challenging.

‘And if I get the opportunity to play, I’ll play. No problem.’

Pompey tonight face a Morecambe side lying 13th in League Two with one defeat in 10 fixtures.

Cook’s men are presenting three points adrift of third spot, with one match in hand.