Portsmouth coach Johnny Metgod says they can lift their Premiership form with a good UEFA Cup performance against Heerenveen.

Former Feyenoord coach Metgod said: "It is always nice to be in Europe, and there is always your own pride at stake as a club and as players.

"We want to be in the right frame of mind for Bolton (on Saturday) and set the game up with a good result. As a player you, want to play football and you are always looking to go and win the game."

The lack of pressure on the match may be just the breathing space Pompey need.

"European football is always something a bit different for the club, the players, the supporters - and everyone has a good evening," Metgod added.

"Heerenveen got off to a bad start this season in the Dutch league but have come back into the frame and are where they should be in the league.

"They have always had a strong Scandinavian feeling in their squad and are a good team who like to play football."