Portsmouth's Lauren hoping to pick up the pace against old boys Arsenal

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The Cameroon defender had not featured in the Pompey first team since the 3-1 defeat to the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium in September due to a hamstring injury.

But he was handed a surprise chance to impress from the bench as Glen Johnson limped off after a collision with goalkeeper David James.

The 30-year-old could do little to prevent his side slipping to a comprehensive 4-1 defeat and admits that he struggled to adapt to the pace of the game.

But he is keen to take his opportunity against Arsenal as Pompey look to beat Arsene Wenger's side for the first time since their promotion to the Premier League in 2003, a run which now stretches to nine games.

"It had been a long time since I played my last game against Arsenal and I found it a little bit difficult to adjust to the pace," he told the club's official website, www.portsmouthfc.co.uk.

"I need to play more regularly and hopefully I will now get the chance to play more games.

"But I feel sorry for Glen because it's never nice to see your team-mate pick up an injury.

"We've got a lot of quality in the squad and when someone goes out of the team, there is someone ready to take his place."

Arsenal are riding high at the summit of the table following their tense 2-1 win over north London rivals Tottenham at the weekend and Wenger's side have received praise from all quarters for their stylish football.

Goals from Emmanuel Adebayor, Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky inspired the Gunners to a 3-1 win over the south coast side in September and Lauren is well aware of the task facing his side.

"Arsenal are outstanding at the moment but we will do our best to win the game," he added.

"We need a win because we haven't won at Fratton Park for a while now.

"It was disappointing to lose against Liverpool and we didn't help ourselves by conceding some sloppy goals.

"But we have to look forward now. We need to remain positive ahead of what is going to be a very difficult game."