How ex-Portsmouth and Tottenham man is coping abroad during the suspension of the season

The versatile performer departed Pompey to rejoin Atlanta United for an undisclosed fee in January, having had a loan spell at the MLS outfit earlier in his career.

Walkes made five appearances for Frank de Boer's side before the coronavirus shut down the campaign in March.

However, the ex-Spurs man has remained Stateside rather than returning to the UK - despite not having a full set of furniture in his home.

Walkes, who scored three goals in 66 appearances for the Blues during his two years at Fratton Park, revealed shared interests with his Mercedes-Benz Stadium team-mates have helped keep his spirits up during the difficult time.

Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: ‘I've got everything down to a schedule now. I work out from home, we stay in contact with the team so we're always getting a lot of information regarding what exercise, what sessions we should be doing.

‘Our shared interests have helped keep everyone's spirits up. Some people live in the same apartment complexes, so they see each other and speak to each other frequently.

‘We have a little book club, so if we see or read anything we can share, we pass it on amongst each other.

‘You've got small interactions in groups, which is good. Some of the Zoom calls are just based off little chats.

‘I've read a few books, but my main thing right now is the (Michael) Jordan documentary. We'll all talk about it in the group because I know everybody else is watching.

‘I'm obviously spending a lot more time with my child, which has been very good because I'm out quite a lot with practice normally.

‘The situation is definitely harder than it looks because I know not everyone can adapt the way I've done so far.

‘I've seen a few other guys enter the league from England and I know what it was like moving here, a few years ago, being young and being away from your family and I'm sure there are players out there who will be finding it difficult.’