'Pompey belong in the Championship' - Pack

Marlon Pack joined Portsmouth from Cardiff in 2022

Portsmouth skipper Marlon Pack says the club have shown they belong in the Championship and, if they can secure survival, it would be a bigger achievement than winning League One last season.

The Blues claimed the title at Fratton Park a year ago and have experienced a roller-coaster season in the second tier, to lie three places and four points above the relegation zone with four games remaining - the first of which is at Norwich on Friday (15:00 BST).

Saturday's 2-2 draw with Derby saw Pompey twice come from behind, and also miss a penalty, and Pack told BBC Radio Solent: "We're a point better off than we were, okay we dropped a few places, but at this stage of the season it's irrelevant so long as we stay in the division.

"It's all in our hands and we have a massive weekend coming up. It's one I think the group are relishing.

"I think we have shown on enough occasions that we belong at this level, it's just now going and making sure that we are a Championship club come the end of the season."

Pack believes staying up would be a greater achievement than winning promotion 'because of where the Championship is now in terms of finances.'

He said: "If you're here from last season you know how long it took to get out of the division.

"It's always going to be hard, unless you are going to go out and spend ridiculous money, which the club isn't going to do as we need to be sustainable, then I think in terms of an achievement (just to compete in this division) would be right up there for this club."

Pack, 34,`started 26 of Pompey's first 29 league matches but only three of the past 13, playing just 86 total minutes off the bench in the 10 games either side of those three starts in March.

"It's much more nerve-wracking watching. Saturday was probably the most nervous I've been, especially this season," he admitted.

"When you're on the pitch, football takes care of itself, when you're watching you can't control anything.

"Saturday was a real tough one to watch. You're passing every pass, heading every ball, the emotion and angst is quite vast as a substitute.

"Whatever role I am required to do I will do to the best of my ability. I am there to support the lads, to play the biggest part I can - if that's being a captain (on the pitch) or if that's making sure the group who are not playing at the minute are training at full intensity and driving everyone else's standards to make sure everyone is ready.

"I know I can add value on and off the pitch. At the minute, when I'm needed on the pitch, I'll be the best version of myself I can be."

Listen to BBC Radio Solent's full interview with Marlon Pack here via BBC Sounds.