Skipper makes frank admission on Portsmouth's squad quality

Pompey celebrate Tom Naylor's opening goal against MK Dons. Picture: Joe Pepler

The Blues endured a slow start to the season, failing to win any of their opening three league games.

However, a comprehensive 4-2 at Burton was followed up by a hard-fought 2-1 success over MK Dons last Saturday.

A triumph against Southend in the EFL Trophy was ensconced in the middle.

Naylor acknowledged Pompey's 'tough' opening to the campaign, although he was always confident results would turn in their favour.

The captain's played alongside the likes of Jamal Lowe, Matt Clarke and Ben Thompson since arriving at PO4 in June 2018.

But he reckons the quality of the dressing this term is 'unbelievable' and is on par with the 2018-19 squad that went so close to promotion.

Naylor said: ‘It has been tough but we know the quality we have in the changing room.

‘On paper, it is an unbelievable squad and we have just got to be confident and brave.

‘Burton was a big win, unjustified with the two goals conceded and we should have scored more.

‘The boys had a great result on Tuesday and then on Saturday.

‘It's a really, really good squad. The signings we've made over the past two years have been really good.

‘There have been a few people who have left since I arrived. Sometimes you've got to do that but, on paper, we are one of the strongest sides in the league. I personally believe that.

‘On the bench, we have got so much quality. It's up there with the best sides during my time here. We have got a lot of players throughout the core.

‘We knew we should have been better in the first three games. We hold our hands up to that but we have turned it around after having a few meetings.’

Pompey next welcome Doncaster to Fratton Park on Saturday.

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