'Hear him before you see him' - Portsmouth striker keeping spirits up after first major operation

Harrison has been absent since the middle of last month having been forced to go under the knife for lateral knee ligament damage.

The setback ruled the ex-Bristol Rovers man out for the remainder of the season, meaning he hasn't been available for selection since Cowley succeeded Kenny Jackett in the Fratton Park hot seat.

The hopes are that Harrison, who arrived from Ipswich for £425,000 in June 2019, will be fully fit for the first day of pre-season ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

And the affable forward has been able to keep his – and Cowley's – spirits up while on the treatment table.

The head coach said: 'We're hoping he's back for the first day of pre-season. He's a fit, strong, powerful boy and want to get him fit.

‘It was his first major operation really, so you never know if they're quick healers.

‘He's in every day – you can hear him before you see him!

‘Ellis has been great. We did a bit with the players about the best dressing rooms they've been in and how did it feel.

‘He said to me: "When we were at Bristol Rovers, we had such togetherness and used to go out on the beer every Saturday!"

‘I liked the togetherness bit but not quite so sure about going on the beer every Saturday! Maybe once at Christmas.’