'I love Portsmouth' - Christian Burgess outlines desire to remain at Fratton Park beyond this season

The central defender will make his 200th Blues appearance in Saturday’s visit of Sunderland – yet is out of contract at the season’s end.

In accordance with club policy, all player contract talks remain on hold, affecting nine members of Kenny Jackett’s squad.

Yet Burgess has been one of the outstanding performers during the campaign.

And the 28-year-old is eager to remain at the club which has been his home since June 2015.

Burgess said: ‘You know the club’s policy, I suppose the ball is in their court in that sense.

‘Obviously, I would love to stay, I have a lot of ties here and a great relationship with the fans and club in general.

‘I really enjoy it on the south coast, I love Portsmouth as a city. Football is a funny game, you never know what is going to happen.

‘I just concentrate on my football, that’s all I need to worry about if I am honest. As long as I’m playing well I think I will be okay in my career.

‘And the other side of it is I desperately want to achieve success here and reach the Championship.

‘I have always been comfortable with it (the policy) in terms of believing in yourself that, if it doesn't work out for one reason or another, you will go elsewhere.

‘I just have to concentrate on working hard and putting in good performances, that is what I will be judged on.’