diff --git a/gentooup.sh b/gentooup.sh
index 395293f..2af6bc0 100755
--- a/gentooup.sh
+++ b/gentooup.sh
@@ -42,7 +42,12 @@ fi
 #any parameter prevents syncing
 if [[ ! -z ${SYNC_COMMAND}  ]] ; then
   ${SYNC_COMMAND}
-  eix-update >& /dev/null &
+  eix-update >& /dev/null
+fi
+
+if eix -u -# sys-apps/portage > /dev/null ; then
+  echo "portage update detected -> merging it"
+  emerge -v1 portage
 fi
 
 echo "emerge options: ${PORTAGE_OPTIONS[*]}"