Since his summer move from Newcastle United, Ritchie has struggled to get minutes on the pitch, starting only one league game at home to Sunderland before the end of October.

However, after impressing in a late substitute appearance against Sheffield Wednesday, the 35-year-old has earned himself back-to-back starts in a draw away at Hull City and Tuesday’s defeat at Argyle.

“No one’s going to help us, we have to help ourselves internally,” Ritchie added.

“We have to work hard, nothing’s going to get us out of this position we find ourselves in other than hard work, desire and mentality to stick together.

“We will dust ourselves down and go again. The wonderful thing about the Championship is we now have a game on Saturday, it’s a great opportunity to get three points and that’s what we’ll be trying to do.”

Pompey next face another of their fellow strugglers when Preston North End travel to Fratton Park on Saturday.

The Lilywhites have five more points than Portsmouth this campaign and sit two points outside the relegation zone in 21st.