Burnley arrival launches surprise criticism in face of Portsmouth promotion charge with Derby County, Bolton Wanderers, Peterborough & Barnsley

Will Norris surveyed League One’s best defensive record and admitted: 'It could be better.'

And the Pompey keeper underlined a belief it could be the ‘fine details’ at the back, which make the difference between success and failure this season.

Norris recorded his 18th clean sheet of the campaign in the 1-0 promotion battle win at Peterborough United on Saturday.

John Mousinho’s side became the first outfit to halt the Posh scoring at home in the league this season, in the process of delivering victory

It continued an outstanding maiden campaign for Norris, following his summer arrival after leaving Burnley.

Pompey have the best League One defensive record this term with 32 goals conceded - two fewer than second-placed Derby.

Norris is setting the bar high, however, as he admitted he felt the Blues’ performances at the back could have reached greater heights.

The 30-year-old was staying coy on his targets, with everything to play for and seven League One games remaining this season.

But he was clear in his conviction the margins may be small when it comes to delivering promotion and failing - putting emphasis on getting it right at the back.

Norris said: ‘I’m pleased with where we’re at right at the moment, but it could be better.

‘I’m always self-critical and will never look to point fingers at anyone.

‘I’ll always look within at myself, because we pride ourselves on defending set-pieces and keeping clean sheets.

‘Me, Joe (Prodomo) and the whole goalie unit are critical. 

‘I’ll keep my personal targets close to my chest, but it’s going quite well.

‘It’s a group effort, though, it’s not necessarily one man’s job.

‘When we do concede we do look to iron those fine details. We need to do that, if we want to get to where we want to get to.’