Ben Davies '˜desperate' to stay at Pompey

The right-back, who put in a man-of-the-match display in Saturday’s 3-1 win over fellow promotion rivals Bristol Rovers, is out of contract this summer.

But negotiations over an extension are ongoing, with the 34-year-old meeting with the club again last week to discuss his future.

Davies admitted the process has been a frustrating one so far but remains optimistic an agreement can be struck to satisfy all parties.

‘I am absolutely desperate to stay here,’ he said.

‘That’s how I have felt from the word go.

‘I am still optimistic and hopeful something can get sorted for next season because one thing I don’t want to do, is leave the football club.

‘I sat in with the club again last week and it’s pretty much where we were at before.

‘It has dragged on a little and got a bit frustrating but hopefully we can get something sorted.

‘My family are moving down now and I’d love to stay.

‘I don’t see my football anywhere else.

‘I would absolutely love to finish my career here.’

Davies has been a dependable presence for the Blues following his summer arrival.

Indeed the veteran defender had been an ever-present for Paul Cook’s side in the league, before being rested for last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Leyton Orient – Pompey’s worst display of the season.

On Saturday, though, he was back in the side to play a pivotal role as the hosts reignited their promotion push with a return to winning ways at Fratton Park.

And regardless of off-field matters, Davies insists he is committed to the Pompey cause.

He said: ‘What I will always do, whatever is happening, is give 100 per cent.

‘I might not be playing the best but I will always want the ball and I will always give my everything – hopefully the fans can relate to that.

‘And how can you not like playing in front of 20,000 people at this stadium?

‘Every game the place is rocking – it is a fantastic, unique football club.’

Davies showed his worth to the Blues with two assists in Saturday’s win over Rovers as Cook’s side climbed three places to fifth in the table.

Gareth Evans and Michael Smith were both indebted to inviting crosses from the attacking full-back as Pompey led 2-0 at the break.

Substitute Marc McNulty added to the scoring late on, before the visitors claimed a last-minute consolation from a superb Lee Brown free-kick.

Ex-Sheffield United man Davies was pleased to help deliver three points, literally.

He added: ‘I pride myself on my delivery and when you are taking set pieces that can be the difference sometimes between winning and losing.

‘You have to work on that and it was nice to see the hard work pay off on Saturday.’