Richard Hughes is ready to continue in central midfield for Portsmouth against Middlesbrough today.

Hughes said: "Once you get back into the team, you always hope you have done enough to get a run.

"Every squad player wants to get in the team and then stay in the team.

"But I accept that it is a squad game, and you have to be prepared to wait for your chance. You have to be patient, work hard in training and hope you get an opportunity.

"I understand the situation. The team has been brilliant all season, and the club is at its highest place in the top flight for 50 years or more.

"So I had to be prepared to wait for an opening - and when I got one against Arsenal, I like to think I took it.

"I just hope I have done enough to keep my place, but the manager will pick what he considers is the right team to play against Middlesbrough."