Jackett: Aston Villa loanee heading back to Portsmouth with point to proveÂ

ANDRE GREEN will return to Pompey with a point to prove.
Andre Green. Picture: Joe PeplerAndre Green. Picture: Joe Pepler
Andre Green. Picture: Joe Pepler

That is the verdict of Kenny Jackett ahead of the Aston Villa loanee's arrival back at Fratton Park.

Green has been undergoing rehabilitation at his parent club, after having a cyst removed from his ACL last month. 

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The winger is due to rejoin his Blues team-mates on Tuesday, though, and complete the final stages of his recovery.

Andre Green. Picture: Joe PeplerAndre Green. Picture: Joe Pepler
Andre Green. Picture: Joe Pepler

Green has been sidelined for the best part of two months.

He made just two Pompey appearances before opting to have an operation for his knee complaint. 

The England under-20 international is closing in on match fitness, however, and Jackett believes he'll be driven to win a place in the Blues' starting XI.

The manager said: '˜Andre's predicted time back is on Tuesday.

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'˜I've spoke to Dean (Smith) on it and he's at a stage where he's outside and running. We'll probably take over the end stage of his rehabilitation then.

'˜He's just at the stage where needs to come out into the training situation and develop from there.

'˜My estimation has always been the start of November, so the middle of this week he'll be with us '“ he's due to come back on Tuesday.

'˜Whether he'll then need reserve games or how much training he needs, substitute appearances etc we'll see.

'˜He's a real talent and we're looking forward to it.

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'˜Although the time with him is slightly shorter because of the injury, we're still looking forward to getting him back out on our training ground and working with the group.

'˜We'll see where he can fit in best and he'll be an advantage to the club and the team. 

'˜I hope he has that drive about him '“ I'm sure he does.

'˜I'm looking forward to it. With any player, there's some doubts when you're coming back from injury because you need to build up your confidence again.

'˜But there will also be an enthusiasm to get playing because it's frustrating watching everyone else training when that's your job and you're capable of it.

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'˜We'll have to work hard to make sure we reassure him and give him enough work to make sure he builds up confidence quickly from the injury, which he'll get over.

'˜Then there's a point to prove and some enthusiasm to get back training and playing.'

Green's best role is on the left wing '“ the position Ronan Curtis currently occupies.

However, Jackett is relishing welcoming back the Solihill-born talent to offer competition for the Irishman.

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 '˜We wanted to take, if we could, two players for every position,' added the boss. 

'˜You never do know what will happen.

'˜You get injuries and suspensions and Ronan has missed a couple of league and Checkatrade games because of internationals.

'˜Congratulations to him for getting called up but that's the reason why you have a squad.

'˜For Andre, he has to be ready, keep pushing, work hard to get the shirt and, most importantly, once he gets it do well enough to keep it.'