Andy Cole admits he does not expect to walk straight into a Portsmouth side that has made a four-game unbeaten start to the season and will go top of the Premiership if they win at Charlton on Saturday.

Harry Redknapp's £500,000 signing from Manchester City played his first game since a knee operation nearly six months ago when he completed 80 minutes for the reserves against Aston Villa on Tuesday night.

But despite Pompey failing to impress in attack in a scrappy 1-0 home win over Wigan last week, the former England striker - second only to Alan Shearer as the Premiership's all-time top goalscorer - understands he has no divine right to expect a starting place.

Cole said: "I've still got to earn the right to play and when I get the chance I have to take it.

"There is no need for a big attitude. It is not about ego.

"I'm not expecting to walk into the side with the way the lads are playing. If I can get the odd 20 minutes or half an hour here or there it will be brilliant."

Cole, 35 next month, did not even make Redknapp's squad of 16 for the Wigan game and although he might be among the substitutes at The Valley, the manager is keeping his cards close to his chest.

He said: "Andy has definitely given me something to think about the way he got through the game on Tuesday but we'll see how he is.

"He knows his body better than anyone and I'll have a chat with him about it."