After arriving on a free transfer, Conor Shaughnessy has enjoyed an excellent first season at Fratton Park.
The 27-year-old has started 33 of Portsmouth’s 34 league matches and has been an ever-present at the heart of John Mousinho’s defence.
The former Leeds United defender has had to deal with several central defensive partners, with injury striking Pompey this season.
Tom McIntyre and Regan Poole are both out for the season, which has left Sean Raggett to step in and deputise.
Conor Shaughnessy lauds Portsmouth defensive partner
Raggett has stepped in and barely put a foot wrong as Pompey look to end their 12-year Championship exodus.
That view is also shared by Shaughnessy, who has praised the 29-year-old’s performances.
Talking to the Portsmouth News, he said: “There’s a lot going on and a lot of good feelings and good times around the club. There’s a good group of lads and a massive part of the feeling is because we’re winning on the pitch, which is keeping everyone happy.
“It goes in a circle a bit, the happier you are off the pitch can have an influence on the pitch. It works both ways.”
On Raggett’s performance: “You look at the group, and it gets mentioned, it’s so together. If you look at any successful team in sport, a lot of it is togetherness.
“Look at Raggs (Raggett) coming into the team. He’s a prime example of someone who may would’ve thought it wasn’t right for him to come out of the team.
“But he got his head down, no drama and got himself ready to come straight back in – and has been very important in this run.”
Should Sean Raggett be offered a new deal at Portsmouth?
Raggett’s current deal runs out in the summer, and many would argue fresh terms should be offered.
The 29-year-old is Pompey’s record appearance holder in the 21st century and has played an essential role during the 2023/24 season.
There’s no doubt Pompey would need to improve their squad if promotion is secured, but potentially offering the former Norwich defender an extension, if he’s happy to spend time out of the side, could be an option.
However, attention will be focused on Pompey’s League One title push, with a tricky trip to Charlton Athletic up next for Mousinho’s men.