Wolves Under 23s travelled to Pompey and shared a goalless draw in their second outing of the Premier League Cup on Monday.
Speaking after the game, Scott Sellars hailed his side's defensive performance. He said: “I think you would probably say that it was a good away point after a difficult game.
“It was against more experienced opposition, it felt like an old-fashioned reserve game; at times, quite physical and a good challenge for the boys.
“I thought, on the day, we probably didn’t get our football going like we have done.
“Defensively we were very good. To get a clean sheet away from home against an experienced team was really good. The back four were really strong.
“I thought again, the spirit and the collective attitude shown, to get a point away at Portsmouth was really pleasing. Again they showed that they’ve got lots of different characters."
The Under 23s Coach explained that his side were able to show a different side to their game.
“As I’ve always said, we need to give them a varied development programme," commented Sellars.
“It was very different from a normal Under 23s game in terms of the type of football.
“They did try and play Portsmouth but I thought it was probably more realistic football at times.
“There were a lot of second balls that the young lads don’t normally have to come up with a lot and that’s something that they’re going to have to learn to deal with.
“On the day, our attacking play just didn’t flow and sometimes you have that.
“A couple of good passes and then the third one just wasn’t there to finish it off.
“I just thought it was one of those days where we had to dig in, keep together and work as a team.
“We limited Portsmouth to very little. They hit the post with their only real chance in the second half.
“It was just another side to our game. We have the Accrington game where we dominate and play good football, and then we have this side where we have to dominate defensively."
As January approaches, Paul Lambert, Sellars and the other support staff at Wolves will have to make a decision on the players and whether they will be sent out on loan for the remainder of the season.
The Coach said: “I think as everybody who has seen them play this year, it’s a very good team. We’ve got a collection of very good players at a varied age.
“I’ve already spoken to Paul Lambert about the group and he likes what he sees so hopefully they can really kick on.
“We’ll have some decisions in January to see whether some of the lads go out on loan or whether we keep them together as a group because they’re developing so quickly.
“We may have to find some different challenges for them along the way.
“They’re a pleasure to work with daily and they’ve shown a different side to their game which I think will stand them in a good stead for their careers."
Wolves were drawn against Sunderland Under 21s in the next round of the Checkatrade Trophy, a game that will provide another tough test for the young side.
“I think ultimately we would have preferred another Football League club and I’m sure all of the Under 23s teams would have said that because it gives you a different challenge," explained Sellars.
“But, looking at Sunderland’s team when they’ve played in this competition, they’ve gone very strong.
“We expect a tough challenge whatever team Sunderland puts out and we’ll give them all the respect they deserve.
“If our team perform how I know they can then I’d fancy them against most people."
