Portsmouth reveal how strong side will be as they aim for Wembley return against Exeter

The Blues will bid for back-to-back trips to the home of football in the EFL Trophy semi-final when they welcome Exeter to Fratton Park on Tuesday night.

It proved to be a memorable occasion 12 months ago as Sunderland were dispatched on penalties in front of a record-breaking 85,021 crowd.

And Kenny Jackett’s No2 explained Pompey intend putting out a strong starting XI as they aim for a repeat trip to the capital against the Grecians, who are separated from the League Two summit by goal difference.

The Blues currently find themselves in a gruelling run of fixtures, with the recent win at Tranmere marking the start of a run of 13 games in six weeks.

That has raised issues over the strain that will put on Jackett’s squad, with the Exeter game viewed as one of the best chances to ring the changes.

Gallen insisted, however, the match against Matt Taylor’s side is one Pompey are taking very seriously.

He said: ‘The next game happens to be one that if we perform well in we will end up going back to Wembley.

‘As a team and as a club that’s something we really want to do.

‘We do understand how hard it’s going be to win. Exeter are a very good footballing team and they have some very good players.

‘They are doing very well in their own league and winning a lot of games in their own league.

‘Whoever plays, and we’re going to put out a team we think can win, we’re going to need to prepare properly and play very well.

‘That’s what we’re going to need to do if we want to get what we want and get through.

‘We understand how tough it’s going to be.’