That was an important one, a late winner against Blackburn at Fratton Park in November which produced former Pompey boss Tony Adams' first and only home win in the Premier League before the club sacked him in February.

Former Fulham and Tottenham midfielder Davis came on as a substitute in the 77th minute and scored with his first touch.

He felt he was underemployed by Adams - who often put him on the bench - but is relishing life under Paul Hart, the side's third manager this season.

Despite just three goals in five years, Davis still fancies his chances of scoring in the vital clash with Newcastle at St James's Park where Alan Shearer, still the Premier League's all-time top-scorer, is in charge.

"I've been hammered for my scoring record but, to be fair, I've been unlucky" he said.

"I've had plenty of shots - two or three at least - which have hit the posts. And goalkeepers have made great saves. I just need a bit of luck to turn it around."

In his defence, Davis is usually the anchor in Pompey's five-man midfield and scoring is not really his job but he is looking for one against Newcastle which would put another painful dent in the Geordies' survival hopes and keep Pompey looking up.

They are 14th, six points ahead of tomorrow's hosts and Davis gives a major share of the credit for a recent revival to new boss Hart.

The upgraded head of youth development at Pompey may not be a big name with a big reputation like Shearer but Davis insists: "He's good, he's made us tighter defensively and we're not conceding so many late goals like we used to when we were more gung-ho.

"The (new) gaffer has built from the back and demands discipline. If he doesn't get what he wants he can lose it sometimes on the touchline or in the dressing room but that's OK.

"He's steadied the ship here and not only do I believe we can beat the drop - we can also climb the table. We've got to have that attitude."

Davis was missed in disappointing draws with fellow strugglers Hull and West Brom earlier this month but returned from a wounded knee to show his class again in the 1-0 win over Bolton and the respectable 2-0 defeat at Manchester United in midweek.

Bolton wanted to buy him earlier this season but having quoted Celtic £3million for him, Pompey refused to sell for that price to one of their Premier League rivals.

So Davis, not unnaturally, expected Portsmouth to offer him a new contract to replace the one that expires this summer.

The offer finally came a few weeks ago but now the 28-year-old Londoner has decided to keep his options open until the end of the season when he will be one of 17 Pompey players out of contract - along with the likes of Sol Campbell, Hermann Hreidarsson and on-loan pair Jermaine Pennant and Armand Traore.

But although there will still be major questions to solve next season even if Pompey stay up, with owner Alexandre Gaydamak looking to sell the debt-ridden club, they can still make a big finish to a difficult season.

Under Hart they have taken 13 points from nine games, with three wins and two defeats and although still just six points off the bottom three are also just four points from the top 10.