Shrewsbury coming to turn Portsmouth fans against their own side and make Fratton Park nervy

Josh Laurent believes he will revel in the chance to play in front of a big crowd as Sam Ricketts’ side arrive at PO4 tomorrow.

The midfielderis expecting an intense occasion but feels the Shrews can use that to their advantage.

He told www.shrewsburytowncom: ‘I enjoy hostile crowds, it’s just one noise. It’s easier to block it out. It gives the game more life and intensity.

‘It’s a good game and it has come at a good time for us. The first goal is important. We are going there and will be looking to turn the fans against the home side. We want to make it nervy for them.

‘I feel fine, it's more of a mental thing trying to go again. You can do things to recover physically, but it's harder to get ready mentally.’

Laurent is expecting a ‘high-intensity’ game as they aim to arrest a run of nine League One games without a win, but is out to frustrate Pompey.

The Londoner believes his powerful side can be forceful as a unit to deny their opponents.

He added: ‘Portsmouth will be high on confidence because they are having a very good spell.

‘They lost the other night but they won nine on the bounce before that.

‘They will be high on confidence and the fans will get behind them. I’ve heard Fratton Park has sold out, so we are expecting a high-intensity game - they will try to put our backs against the wall.

‘We need to be back to our best to stop Pompey. We need to be strong as a unit. I’m sure if we keep the back door shut, we can always nick a goal.

‘We haven’t been great up top recently but it's quality that we do have – we need to be more consistent.

‘Hopefully we can keep the door shut and nick a goal at the other end.’