Hollands' Pompey future to become clearer

The midfielder has pencilled in Thursday for a return to full training with the Blues.

It is the next crucial step for the out-of-contract 30-year-old as he attempts to extend his Fratton Park stay.

Hollands has been sidelined since tearing ligaments in his left ankle during the play-off semi-final against Plymouth.

Agonising timing for the player, who had been in talks over a new Pompey deal beyond its summer expiry.

Manager Paul Cook would like to retain Hollands, who made 39 appearances last season in an impressive personal campaign.

But the former Bournemouth man is aware nothing can be resolved until he has demonstrated he is over his injury problem.

Hollands said: ‘I did a one-v-one session on Saturday with twisting and turning and by the end of the week I’m due to join in with training.

‘As long as that is okay we will see where it goes.

‘The plan is to be back training on Thursday or Friday. Obviously, I want to get in as soon as possible.

‘I remain on schedule and have also been involved in running for the last week or so to get my fitness up.

‘I am getting towards football, which is the encouraging thing.

‘Then it is up to the club what happens next, we’ll see how it goes.

‘I don’t know if it’s the situation where they are waiting on my fitness before deciding, I don’t want to comment about that.

‘However, I want to be here and it just depends whether they want me.

‘I certainly cannot comment on what the manager wants to do. From my point of view, I want to be here to help the team get promotion.

‘It is up to them.’

Hollands became one of the Blues’ top earners when recruited from Charlton in the summer of 2014, following a successful loan spell.

With five goals in seven appearances, his permanent arrival under Andy Awford was seen as a coup and welcomed by the Fratton faithful.

But in the 2014-15 season he failed to again reach such heights, scoring two goals in 47 appearances.

Such has been the squad overhaul instigated by Cook during the past 14 months, Hollands must take a hefty pay cut if he wants to remain.

The Fontwell-based midfielder has already indicated his willingness to be involved in such negotiations.

But first he must return to fitness.

‘I’ve spoken to the club on a number of occasions but the injury has obviously put things back,’ added Hollands.

‘I understand why nothing has been sorted yet, the situation is I have been injured, which has delayed everything.

‘I’m just trying to get fit as soon as possible so I can get back on the pitch and show what I can do – hopefully it might be good enough to get something.

‘But all I am concerned about is getting fit and training as soon as possible.

‘The club haven’t told me to leave so I am hoping they may still want me.’