Christian Burgess shines light on mood within Portsmouth squad over season at start of defining period

And the Blues’ defender believes that’s still a prevailing sentiment which remains across Kenny Jackett’s squad, as they wait to see where the campaign’s headed.

But Burgess highlighted an importance in players having confidence in the safety provisions put in place to aid football’s return amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 28-year-old also feels an ‘opt-out’ scenario, as forwarded by the government this week is crucial to the process of clubs returning to training.

Burgess underlined Pompey’s squad, as in society, covers a swathe of differing personal circumstances which can conceivably create varied views on football’s return through the coronavirus crisis.

But, from what he’s garnered, the long-serving favourite believes the Blues squad largely echoes his personal opinion.

Burgess said: ‘From our view at the club we’re keen to finish the season in some way.

‘I can’t speak for all individuals, though, and I haven’t done a poll.

‘You just just have the odd chat when you see people coming and going from the training ground and maybe a little bit on WhatsApp.

‘Most I think are pretty keen, but, like anything, some are a little bit more concerned about safety.

‘People with families and dependents have other things to look and think about, whereas for myself, who doesn’t have a young family, it’s maybe easier to think about and put myself forward.

‘I can’t speak for everyone but I think, as long as it’s safe, most people would be keen.

‘You have to have that confidence and trust in who’s overseeing it.

‘If we saw the operation, trusted it and were confident we’d be safe, I think people would be a lot more keen moving forward - but it’s very individual.

‘The idea that you could opt out if you’re not comfortable is key, because you don’t want to be putting people into a position they don’t want to be put in.

‘Hopefully the Bundesliga helps and shows us the way forward. I’m sure the Premier League are looking at that and it filters down, but we should find out soon.’

Burgess explained Jackett’s squad doesn’t have any differing insight into what will unfold in the coming days from the rest of the public.

The EFL have publicly stated there’s a desire to finish the season, but he can see the complexities surrounding coming to a decision over if and how Pompey’s promotion charge will continue.

He added: ‘Personally, I feel that’s what the EFL should be saying. It’s their duty to finish the season, if possible.

‘We’ve not heard from the PFA too much recently, we’re just waiting first for the meeting last week which was inconclusive. Now we’re waiting for the meeting this coming week.

‘No one one knows but we’re keen to keep going, although the boys themselves are all different over how optimistic they feel about it.

‘Some are thinking it probably won’t happen and some are hopeful. We’re just like the public really.

‘The PFA aren’t involved in the clubs making decisions, so they’re almost irrelevant at this time. They will come into more if things are decided to carry on over the safety of it.

‘At the moment we’re waiting for the clubs to come to some sort of agreement.

‘There’s a lot of teams in the hunt for promotion and teams who think they can still survive - so it’s a lot harder than it was for League Two clubs to make a decision, when they said no teams were relegated.’