David Norris shares what Portsmouth crucially need to stay in Championship

David Norris says good recruitment in January is the key to ensuring Portsmouth can stay afloat in the Championship beyond this season.

In a tightly contested division, Pompey sit 23rd having risen from the bottom after Saturday's (9 November) 3-1 win over Preston North End, their first at Fratton Park this season.

QPR are the new basement boys in the second tier, with Cardiff City and Luton Town directly above.

"It's still reasonably early on and I expect a lot of ups and downs to happen. I do think a good January of recruitment will really help boost Pompey's chances," ex-Blues man Norris exclusively told Pompey News.

"I feel like I expect Luton still to recover, but I think QPR will struggle. I still think Cardiff will be in and around that drop zone. Pompey played Cardiff at the wrong time when they were off the back of a 5-0 win.

"From mid-table to the relegation battle, I don't think there'll be much in it at all and one win could dictate a huge difference in the league with a whole host of teams battling."

Moving out of the drop zone is next Portsmouth mission

Portsmouth will be keen to ensure they do not fall back to the bottom of the Championship and are now just three points adrift.

Two away trips are upcoming within the next three games after the international break, with visits to Blackburn Rovers [24 November] and Swansea City [30 November] sandwiching a Fratton Park occasion with Millwall [27 November].

Having previously failed to score enough goals, the three at home against Preston on Saturday provide John Mousinho a welcome boost - including the final strike by a revitalised Colby Bishop, who has now returned to the fold following summer heart surgery.

In other Portsmouth news, Andy Moon reveals the "loophole" which allowed Pompey to register Bishop before January.

For more Portsmouth news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.