Graham Rix goes into tomorrow's crunch clash with second-from -bottom Walsall knowing only another win will do if he is to save his job.

Despite Milan Mandaric's backing, Rix made it clear after Tuesday's 1-0 win over Coventry that he believed a defeat that night would have spelled the end of his year-long managerial reign at Fratton Park.

But the Pompey chairman has insisted the pressure is still on and a win against Walsall is the only acceptable result to him - and the fans.

Rix though, remains upbeat after pulling himself back from the brink in midweek.

He said: "It is another big game for us against Walsall. They are going to be scrapping for their lives so it will be a tough game but, if we apply ourselves in the same way as we did against Coventry, there is no reason we shouldn't get the three points.

"If we do, I have no doubt people will be saying they are a good side and patting me on the back and saying well done but I'll take it with the usual pinch of salt.

"Overall, Tuesday was not a classic performance from us but to get a scalp like Coventry should give everybody, supporters and players, a massive boost. Now we are going into tomorrow's game against Walsall with a clean sheet and three points, and hopefully full of confidence and buoyant.

"I won't get carried away because we have let Portsmouth Football Club down before. The test now is, can they do it again tomorrow.

"It's a six-pointer coming up against Walsall but, if we can get another three points, then it will relieve the gloom and everybody will have a smile on their faces."

Rix is boosted by the return from suspension of Linvoy Primus but may choose to stick with the back four which kept out sixth-placed Coventry.

However, suspensions are still biting hard, with Shaun Derry serving the final game of his three-match ban, Kevin Harper the first of a two-game suspension and Alessandro Zamperini out for one match.

Portsmouth have not given up in their bid to sign Rangers defender Scott Wilson.

The main sticking point in the move for the 24-year-old is that Pompey want to take him on loan while Rangers want a permanent move.

If Pompey were to get him on loan until the end of the season they could sign him on a free because his contract will have expired.

Fratton Park officials are still waiting anxiously to hear whether West Ham's Bulgarian international striker Svetoslav Todorov will be granted a work permit.

If the application is successful he will complete his move to Pompey and the fee could rise to £750,000 depending on appearances.