Back after 162 days away - but former Norwich man insists his Portsmouth battle is not yet over

Yet despite the welcome comeback, the popular midfielder insists it will still take a little longer before reaching optimum form.

The 28-year-old was handed a place in the Blues’ starting XI at Peterborough on Saturday – for the first time since breaking his leg in August.

It signified ongoing progress, having been utilised off the bench in the previous five matches, with the Blues easing him back into the act.

Thompson subsequently featured for 58 minutes before replaced by Reeco Hackett in the 2-1 defeat at London Road.

And, afterwards, Thompson reflected on the end of an agonising five-month wait.

He told The News: ‘I think it’s inevitable that it takes time, you build your base level fitness but nothing prepares you for games other than playing.

‘Let’s see where we go from here and hopefully I can get a few more under my belt for the rest of the season.

‘There have been so many minutes in recent games and it prepares your body, but you have to build that up.

‘I have still got a little bit to grasp and match fitness is one part of that. Hopefully in recent weeks I can get back to my best.

‘When assessing my performance, I always have to watch the game back and make an unemotional decision, but I try my best every match.

‘It takes time after injury, nothing happens overnight. I will work hard this week and see where we are next Saturday.’

Jonson Clarke-Harris’ first-half double was behind Peterborough’s victory as they climbed into seventh spot.

And while Pompey did pull one back, it was through an own goal from right-back and former player Nathan Thompson – older brother of Louis.

He added: ‘It was a difficult game for us and, although we battled back in spells. We have to perform a bit better, we have a bit to improve on,

‘It’s always hard to digest and analyse on the button, emotions run high, but there's a fair bit we need to improve on and take onto the training pitch on Monday.

‘We have to improve and the way to do that is picking up three points – which we’ve done recently. This is a set-back and we have to go again.

‘Peterborough have good players, they’re going to be right up there this season and have a chance, yet we’ve a fantastic squad and must be better than we were on Saturday.’