Portsmouth defender Linvoy Primus credits his strong faith for his superb recovery from knee injury last season.

"It was the faith that kept me going," the popular centre-half told the Daily Star.

"Christianity is a big part of my life and it's not just about going to church on a Sunday, it is with me throughout the whole week."

As Portsmouth edged closer to their first FA Cup final appearance in 69 years, Primus could only sit and watch.

He said: "It was frustrating because I would have loved to be involved. But I went to both the semi-final and final, was out there on the pitch before the game with the rest of the lads, and soaked up the Wembley atmosphere.

"Because I wasn't playing, maybe I could take it all in better than the rest, but I would still have preferred to play."

He spent much of the summer playing catch-up on his fitness and has relished the chance to feature in several pre-season games.

He insisted: "There are exciting times ahead for this club - we're on the verge of something really good.

"My aim is just to be in the squad for Sunday.

"After what's happened in the last 15 months, that would be an achievement in itself."