After a dramatic start to their trip, which saw first-choice aeroplane provider Flightline go into administration hours before they were due to take off, delaying their departure by several hours, Adams knows it is effectively win or bust in Wolfsburg this evening.

Portsmouth head into the game with just a single point from their two matches so far in Group E, and realistically must win at the Volkswagen Arena to have any hope of progressing to the last 32.

Last week, Adams' side let slip a two-goal lead with six minutes remaining to draw 2-2 with AC Milan at Fratton Park, and with it lost a gilt-edged chance to atone for their 3-0 hammering at Braga in their first pool match in October.

Two victories against Wolfsburg and Heerenveen, on December 17, would see them through, but picking up three vital points at the home of the Wolves will be a massive task given they are unbeaten there this season.

Campbell is set to be handed a first start in a month, along with creative linchpin Niko Kranjcar, as Adams makes a last-ditch bid for European salvation.

And after the late capitulation to Milan, and other recent losses of leads against Hull and Blackburn – albeit one that was reclaimed against Rovers – the Pompey boss believes the former England centre-back will add some much-needed calm at the back.

"I want Sol to play every game, I think he's a phenomenal football player. I played alongside him so I know his strengths," Adams said.

"I think we've missed him for the last few games, even though the players who've come in have done very well. You miss someone of that experience.

"We've gone five games undefeated so things aren't going so badly, but I just think we missed a little bit of team maturity."

Handing Campbell and Kranjcar starts after respective toe and ankle injuries could be seen as a desperate last throw of the dice, but Adams said simply: "I need my best players on the pitch, so they're going to be playing sooner rather than later."

Adams insists he would hate to make an early exit from continental competition. "I just find it very exciting. I loved it as a player, I loved coming to foreign soils," he said. "This is thoroughly exciting for me."