Ex-Southampton striker Lee Barnard wants to quieten the Portsmouth crowd

The former Southampton player could be in for some stick from their south coast rivals but is looking for a good start from the game.

He said: “We need to be solid and quieten the crowd down.

“We want to build on a good defensive performance. When you are chasing the game it’s hard - we need to put them on the back-foot and create more chances.

“Portsmouth are a very good team and put you under pressure, especially at their place, where they will be well-supported.

“We need to make a good solid start to give ourselves a chance.

“The crowd can work against them and if we can keep them out for ten minutes, put them on the back-foot, they won’t be happy and hopefully that will put their team under pressure and hopefully we can go from there.

“We are expecting a real tough game and we need the more experienced lads to help the younger lads through.”

Barnard has been largely confined to the sidelines this season, kept out by Oldham loanee Rhys Murphy who has now gone back to his parent club.

He wants to establish himself in the Crawley side having made his first start since October 6 during Reds’ 2-0 defeat at Wycombe.

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