‘I’ve struggled’: Luton Town loanee’s Portsmouth form admission after glorious return to searing best against Ipswich Town

Millenic Alli admitted he’s struggled to maintain his best levels of performance after a glorious return to form against Ipswich Town.

And the Luton Town loanee acknowledged the physical demands of a relentless playing schedule has provided a challenge, as he played a key role in a huge survival win for John Mousinho’s side.

Alli returned to the starting line-up and took on a central role in delivering a 2-0 win over Kieran McKenna’s side, which takes the Blues a giant step closer to Championship survival.

The 26-year-old hit the ground running following his January arrival at PO4, but saw his levels drop amid a 15-game run of starts before two games on the bench arrived against Oxford United and Middlesbrough.

That kind of incessant football came after an in-and-out time at Kenilworth Road before his exit, with Alli acknowledging the tests which arrived with a frantic schedule.

Now though, the target is the final four games mirroring the impact he showed on a front-footed performance to help deliver a big, big win and pick up Sky Sports man-of-the-match plaudits.

Alli said: ‘I’m pleased with my display and to pick up man of the match, but I thought everyone played a big part. I tried to play my part and I’m happy that was recognised, though.

‘In football you have your ups and downs and I’ve struggled quite a bit, but I just pray that we can keep our form going and keep strong now as we finish the season.

‘At this time of year the games come thick and fast, so it can be quite tough to keep up physically.

‘Things change, too, but I’m just glad to be back in the side, have an impact and help the boys as much as possible.

‘Everyone always wants to play, so I was glad the gaffer put me in and I was able to repay him.’

The Ipswich win makes it back-to-back Pompey successes against promotion contenders following Saturday’s success at Middlesbrough, opening a four-point gap to the drop zone in the process.

Alli saw a performance which ticked all the boxes in terms of character and spirited qualities needed to take on an a promotion-chasing opponent, one who were unbeaten in nine going into a game postponed on two occasions this year.

He added: ‘I feel great, this game was really important to us being the game in hand.

‘We got the result and I’m really pleased for the boys and how everyone chipped in to make sure we got the three points.

‘We grew and got stronger, so when we got the two goals it was just a matter of holding on to get the win.

‘I think the boys stuck together and that was why we were able to see it through.

‘It’s not just about going forward, we defend as 11 as well. Sometimes doing that work defensively can be the difference between getting the result or not.’