Former Portsmouth, Sheffield United and Charlton winger wants long-term Northampton deal just months after revealing retirement plans

The winger told The News in May that he was ready to call time on his career after an injury-plagued two-and-a-half years at Sheffield United.

Yet last month he was handed the chance to resurrect his playing days at former club Northampton, who handed him a two-month, appearance-related deal.

The faith shown in him by the Cobblers has since been paid back, with the 33-year-old already featuring six times for the club.

Four of those run-outs have been from the start, ensuring the 2014 Sports Mail Pompey Player of the Year has already become a key player in Keith Curle’s set-up.

And with less than a month until his current contract expires, Holmes admitted he’d love to extended his stay ‘for a couple more years’.

Speaking to the Northampton Chronicle, the former Blues player said: ‘I'd love to stay.

‘I've always loved it here. I have a great relationship with the club, from the fans to the staff, and nothing has changed since I left so long may it continue.

‘Hopefully we can sit down in a week or two and sort something out because I've proved I'm fit.

‘I've started games and I've not missed a session of training so hopefully I can stay for a couple more... years. Not months, let's say years!

‘It's a busy month coming up. I love Christmas and we've got games that we need to win and we're looking forward to playing and getting results.’

Holmes, who featured 63 times for Pompey before being allowed to leave by then boss Andy Awford, said he felt sharp since his return to action.

He added: ‘I just love playing the game.

‘I thought retirement was imminent but Pablo (Garcia, fitness coach) worked wonders alongside the gaffer to get me fit again and I'm finally playing again.

‘I'm not here to sit on the bench - I've never liked that.

‘I've always been one to knock on the gaffer's door and say “come on, what you doing, play me!” and nothing has changed.

‘I feel sharp now and I'm ready to play every game and give my all to the team.

‘I've never been shy of confidence so I'm sure I'll get there and try and earn another contract because I'm up soon!"

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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