Pompey claimed a 2-1 win over Sunderland in the FA Cup fourth round at the weekend to set up a meeting with south coast rivals Southampton . While the victory over the Black Cats did not garner three much-needed points, Groves hopes his team will pick up their fifth league win of the season on Tuesday night. He said: "Wins breed confidence and any win in any cup can give us a springboard and something we can build on. "They're all big games - especially the home games and especially the ones against the teams in and around us. "But this is one we can look forward to on the back of a result and performance like the one we had on Saturday." Groves has called on FA Cup hero John Utaka to make the most of an extended run in the team after the midfielder netted a goal in each half. The Nigerian has made just six starts for Pompey this term but he is set to become a key player in the closing months of the season as the cash-strapped club remains unable to bolster its squad. Injured players Papa Bouba Diop, Michael Brown, Steve Finnan and Tommy Smith are doubtful for the clash while Aruna Dindane, Kanu, Nadir Belhadj and Hassan Yebda remain on African Nations Cup duty, so Groves is hopeful Utaka will make the most of his chance to shine. Groves added: "Other people have been in the team and done well and when John has come in, he has found it difficult or had one or two injuries along the way. "But hopefully, John gets a run in the team and shows people what he is capable of doing. "John has a lot of attributes. He's quick, strong, he can take the ball on and he can hold people off. "He can run at people in one-versus-one situations against goalkeepers. He has done very well and there is a lot of ability there. "John showed what he was capable of doing on Saturday. "There have been a lot of players who have produced good performances, so it has been difficult for him to get into the team. "But the situation may change and he may get a run - hopefully John takes that opportunity." Outcast David Nugent could make a shock return to the side after training with the team. The striker scored just six goals in 45 appearances for the Blues after signing in a £6million deal in July 2007 prompting him to seek a route out of Fratton Park. Nugent agreed a loan deal with Burnley on September 1 and has been linked with a full-time move to Turf Moor after netting three goals in 16 games for the Clarets. The 24-year-old played in Burnley's 3-0 loss at Manchester United on January 16, but director of communications Gary Double confirmed he is back training at Pompey's Eastleigh base after his loan deal expired. With the league's basement club still under a transfer embargo and unable to strengthen their squad for now, manager Avram Grant may opt to keep him at Fratton Park and he could even feature in their relegation six-pointer with the Hammers. Goalkeeper David James also trained with Pompey on Monday despite reports linking him with a loan move to Stoke in the coming days. But defender Mike Williamson did not appear at Eastleigh as he remains in Newcastle for talks over a move to the Championship leaders.
