PORTSMOUTH boss Danny Cowley has praised Wanderers’ ambition and “clear identity” ahead of tonight’s League One clash at the UniBol.

Cowley’s men will be aiming to return to winning ways and close the gap on the top six when they take on the Whites.

Pompey are currently 10th in the table, ahead of Ian Evatt’s men on goal difference, but have a couple of games in hand on most of the sides around them.

Cowley says there is “a lot to respect” at Wanderers and insists they spent well in the January transfer window.

"I think they are a really ambitious, progressive club,” he told Hampshire Live. "A really good promotion under Ian Evatt last season.

“This year, they showed in January how progressive they are looking to be and how ambitious they are looking to be with some of the signings.

"They have signed players that a lot of League One clubs would have loved to have signed and they now have some really top players for this level and a very clear identity of how they want to play.

"Without a doubt, a lot to respect."

Pompey have had a two-and-a-half-week break since their last fixture as a result of the international break and Rotherham’s Papa John’s Trophy exploits.

Cowley’s men were held to a goalless draw against play-off hopefuls Wycombe in their last outing before the break.

The Whites suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat when the sides met at Fratton Park earlier this season, with John Marquis getting the decisive goal.

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