Ricardo Rocha delivers Portsmouth promotion verdict amid stuttering form

But the former defender has told Kenny Jackett and his troops to 'prove themselves' on the pitch as the Blues' promotion push continues to falter.

After being top of League One during the festive period, Pompey have dropped to fifth in the table following a 2-1 loss to Doncaster on Tuesday night.

The Blues are two points clear in the play-off places, although seventh-placed Ipswich have a game in hand.

Having won only three of their past 10 games, sections of the Fratton faithful are beginning to give up hope that Jackett's side can finally remove their third-tier shackles.

Rocha, who spent four seasons at Pompey, still keeps a keen eye on things at PO4 despite now working as a pundit in his native Portugal.

He is convinced there is enough talent in the PO4 ranks to still earn a Championship place with 15 matches remaining.

But Rocha feels now it's time for players and staff alike to display the ability and resolve required.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent before the Doncaster game, Rocha said: ‘I am pushing for the club from Portugal and always looking to see what is happening with the club.

‘I'm always supporting and believing that we can do it.

'We have been short in the last few seasons but we have a great squad and we are capable of doing it this year.

‘With all the quality and everything, we need to prove it on the pitch.

‘It is on the pitch where the players and the staff have to prove themselves.

‘They have to prove themselves because they have the quality and the capacity to do it.'

Pompey travel to Northampton Town on Saturday aiming to bounce back to winning ways.