What reaching League One summit at Hull will mean for Portsmouth in top-of-the-table showdown
Craig MacGillvray admitted going top of League One will give Pompey’s confidence a shot in the arm.
But the keeper downplayed the psychological boost being at the summit of the third tier for Christmas will have on the Blues.
Kenny Jackett’s men know what the reward will be if they come out victorious in the Sky-televised top-of-the-table showdown at the KCOM Stadium.
Top spot will be theirs for the first time in 23 months after moving into promotion places against Fleetwood on Tuesday night.
But to remain their on December 25 they have to turn over the current occupants on their own patch, and hope Doncaster drop points in the next two games.
And it’s the challenge Hull present rather than attaining the lofty status, which MacGillivray is saying he’s looking at.
‘There is that to it,’ MacGillivray said when asked about being top at Christmas.
‘There is that little bit of a carrot, I guess.
‘But at this stage it’s not about being top of the table. It’s not about any of that.
‘It’s a nice place to be and it’s a confidence boost, but it’s about going there and getting three points.
‘It’s nice but at this stage it’s not looking at where we are in the table.
‘Yes, it’s nice but it’s about picking up three points.
‘I don’t think it particularly helps psychologically. It’s the next game.
‘It’s taking the game on its merit and trying to get three points.
‘We need to give a good account of ourselves, get three points and give ourselves the best chance of winning the game.
‘We’re going to Hull to give a good account of ourselves and get three points.’
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