Joe Gallen says rediscovering their self-belief is a priority for Pompey after a sorry display that ended in a 1-0 home loss to Blackpool.

A Jerry Yates goal eight minutes from time was enough to win it for the Tangerines on a day when Pompey were never really at the races.

Gallen, in charge while Kenny Jackett recovers from an operation, told the club website afterwards: 'We had the majority of the second half, but without creating enough chances and Blackpool defended resolutely. It was disappointing not to take any points or have enough opportunities for the possession and territory we had.

'We’re not going to deny that it’s frustrating when you lose because you do put so much work into it. There are high and low points over the course of the season and we have to get this side believing in themselves again.'

Pompey have another stiff test on Tuesday night - they go to Oxford - before hosting Gillingham next Saturday.

Gallen said: 'We’re going to need to start to put consecutive wins together again — are we capable of doing that? Yes we are. The top two is still open for us, but we have to go on a run.

'Our job is to build confidence and belief on the training ground and I do believe that our forward players will start scoring again. I’d be very surprised if it’s not sooner rather than later.'

Jackett was at Fratton, albeit taking a back seat, just two days after his hospital visit and his assistant said: 'It was a bit of a surprise that Kenny was at the game. It takes a lot to keep him away from the football club, but we were pleased to see him. I did say that he’d be back sooner rather than later — but even I didn’t think that it would be this quick!'

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