Sam Sodje spoke of his sympathy for defences taking a battering from Pompey’s ‘beast’.
Sodje lauded the efforts of Patrick Agyemang as the striker dishes out a torrid time to League One back lines.
The Nigerian knows exactly what rivals are facing from the in-form forward, after going head-to-head with him in training.
Agyemang’s form has been a key factor in Pompey’s end-of-season resurgence.
The 33-year-old has grabbed two goals for the Blues since arriving on loan from Stevenage.
But it’s been his all-round game and presence leading the line for caretaker boss Guy Whittingham’s side that has really made a difference.
Since arriving at Fratton Park, Agyemang has candidly spoken of his career-long battle with confidence.
But with Pompey’s belief soaring, the former QPR man has revelled with his own morale riding a high.
Sodje hailed Agyemang’s impact and his status as a key player for the Blues.
He said: ‘He’s a class player and he really is a beast up there.
‘He’s a really strong boy, and I know that as much as anyone.
‘In training we have a lot of battles.
‘We are both strong players and I give him credit for how he plays for us.
‘I know how hard a player he is to play against.
‘In training I have to kick him!
‘I can appreciate what he is doing for us at the moment. He is a hard-working player.
‘I think he is one of those strikers you don’t want to play against, to be fair.
‘He does the hard work as the first line of defence for us.
‘You can’t just judge him on his goals but also what he does for the team.
‘He deserves big credit for doing that - and I think people see that.’
Sodje believes Agyemang can play a role in dragging Pompey out of the relegation zone over the final four games of the campaign.
A 10-point deduction is still hanging over the club, however, and the defender believes that will be critical in condemning the side to League Two football this season.
Sodje said: ‘I think they (the Football League) will take the points from us.
‘But we have four games to make them take it for us. We are just proud to be playing for Portsmouth. I think we can do it.
‘We believe and are showing pride.
‘I knew 100 per cent that we could turn things around. I always believed that.
‘As a player and man you want to win games.
‘The manager is giving us confidence and belief we can do that.’
After eight months out of the game, Sodje is optimistic about the future after coming into the Pompey set-up.
He feels that sentiment is being reflected around the club as a whole as his side finish the season strongly.
‘There is more belief for the future now.
‘I’m hopeful for what is going to happen.
‘After eight months I am back playing football.
‘I’m happy about that and moving forward.
‘Hopefully Portsmouth can do the same and do well.’