Hart, who has stepped up from his role with the club's youth teams to take over from Tony Adams on a temporary basis, fell short of nominating himself as a permanent successor but did appear enthused about being back in the hotseat.

The former Nottingham Forest boss has not managed since 2006 but was excited after goals from the superb Glen Johnson and Hermann Hreidarsson gave Pompey a much-needed win.

"The thing is, I was brought here to the youth development programme and I really enjoy that," said Hart.

"But there was a little bit of a tingle in my stomach today that I haven't felt for four or five years.

Asked about any longer-term aspirations, Hart added: "I'm not looking that far. We're planning for next week, doing the training programmes and then we'll see what happens. It's not in my hands really.

"But I'm here, everyone knows where I am. I was asked to step in at a difficult moment for the club and I've been happy to do that."

Hart, whose side made a City team bulging with the attacking flair of Robinho, Elano, Craig Bellamy and Stephen Ireland look pedestrian, was also impressed by the resolve his side showed after a trying week.

"Because I've not been around management for a few years it was a day of not really knowing what to expect. Working with the players for just a day you don't get to see them at full belt.

"You wonder 'have you got this right?' that sort of thing. But I saw it in the players' eyes that they were determined and I felt comforted by that."

Hart also praised goalkeeper David James who made one fine save late on in his record-breaking 536th Premier League outing, going past Gary Speed's previous mark.

"He's fantastic. To break that record and then pull off that magnificent save at the end makes it a fantastic day for him. I think that showed how much resolve there was in the team to keep that clean sheet."

City manager Mark Hughes was disappointed at the efforts of his side but refused to pick out Brazilian pair Robinho and Elano.

Both players starred for their country in Tuesday night's glamour victory over Italy at the Emirates but turned in desperate displays at Fratton Park.

"At the end of the day international friendlies are different to Premier League games," said Hughes.

"Opposition in the Premier League will try and stop the threat of outstanding football players and today Robbie and Ela, among others, found it difficult to stamp their ability on the game.

"It's not just those two, but a number of players: that's why we struggled.

"Basically you need a number of players playing at the top of their ability to Premier League games. If you don't hit that level as a team you'll get beaten and that's what has happened today."