SCOTLAND international Richard Hughes is ready to answer Harry Redknapp's midfield problems when Portsmouth take on Middlesbrough at Fratton Park in the Barclays Premier League today.

Pompey are seeking their first home win since September, after failing to score in five of their last six games in front of their own fans.

Former Arsenal midfielder Hughes was drafted in against his old club at the last minute on Boxing Day, after injuries to Pedro Mendes and Sean Davis, and he was outstanding.

It was Hughes' first start since August and came at a time when he admitted to having become tired of an apparently perpetual place among the substitutes.

Davis is suffering from a hamstring injury and Mendes has flu.

Pompey boss Redknapp has to decide whether to give Hughes another chance or re-jig his side to allow Benjani Mwaruwari to partner Kanu in attack.

Hughes said: Once you get back into the team you always hope you have done enough to get a run.

Every squad player wants to get in the team and then stay in.

But I accept that it is a squad game and you have to be prepared to wait for your chance.

You have to be patient, work hard in training and hope you get an opportunity.

I understand the situation.

The team has been brilliant all season and the club is at its highest place in the top flight for 50 years or more.

So I had to be prepared to wait for an opening - and when I got one against Arsenal, I like to think I took it.

I just hope I have done enough to keep my place, but the manager will pick what he considers is the right team to play against Middlesbrough.'' Hughes was called into the Pompey team only an hour before the kick-off and helped nullify the threat of Cesc Fabregas.

He was so effective in breaking up Arsenal's free-flowing passing game that Arsene Wenger's side failed to score a Premier League goal for the first time this season.

Hughes added: I knew Sean Davis had been struggling for a couple of weeks and I knew Pedro had a virus, so I figured there might be an opportunity for me.

When I arrived at the ground, the limit of my ambitions was a place in the 16, so to start was a fantastic bonus.'' Redknapp will be without injured Glen Johnson today.

Lauren should retain his place instead of Johnson, and the manager may also keep Kanu in attack after an effective display against his old club Arsenal.

Pompey last scored at home in the league on September 29.