Cook won't be drawn on Lualua Pompey return

The former Blues favourite exclusively revealed to The News he was keen to make an emotional Fratton Park comeback – nearly 10 years after leaving the south coast.

The 36-year-old free agent vowed he can still have a big impact at the club he shares a special bond with.

Lualua has been training with QPR but would like to join Pompey’s League Two promotion push.

Speaking at his press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Carlisle, Cook declined to raise hopes among fans of a stunning return for the ex-DR Congo international.

But the Blues manager did admit he would have no problem speaking with Lualua’s representatives.

‘I’m not getting involved in anything about players,’ said Cook.

‘We’ve got a great squad here.

‘At the end of the day, if there’s any additions to be made we’ll let you know for sure.’

Cook added, when asked about a potential trial: ‘We’d need to speak to Lualua’s people and organise that.

‘It’s not something I’d want to discuss.’

Lualua played in the Premier League for Pompey between 2004 and 2007, scoring 19 goals in 91 games before departing for Champions League football with Greek side Olympiacos.

A decade on, though, an emotional end to his career on the south coast remains firmly in the balance.

One name Cook has distanced himself from is right-back Paul Caddis.

The Blues boss dismissed talk Caddis – a one-cap Scotland international – is set to train with the club.

The free agent departed Birmingham last month.