LATEST: Portsmouth boss outlines how things stand over popular former Norwich City and Swindon Town man’s future

John Mousinho explained the Blues and the midfielder will assess the path forward together, as the 28-year-old deal comes to a close.

Thompson is building his return from a broken leg last August, and last week put back-to-back starts together for the first time since the new head coach’s January arrival.

Mousinho explained he’s held talks with the former Norwich and Swindon man about what lies head - and intends to revisit those towards the end of the campaign.

He said: ‘We’re pretty open with Louis about that.

‘We spoke a week or two about seeing how the last 11 games go, as it was at that point.

‘I think it’s a fair place to be for both parties where we keep having a look at it.

‘Even though he’s played those two games, we still really want to have a good look at him.

‘And he probably wants to see where things fit in for him towards the back end of the season as well, and what that looks like for him next season.

‘We can then have a much more in-depth conversation about that in quite a few games’ time, rather than doing it now and guessing as what we’re doing.

‘I’d hope the focus for Louis is to be winning games, and I know he’s a real professional and will be doing that.

‘Louis is genuinely really brilliant to have around the place.

‘Regardless of what happens, we will have that grown-up conversation and will do whatever is best for Louis.

‘I think that’s the best thing for him, because he’s been desperate to come back from the injury - and has come back really well.

‘We want him back fit and contributing for the rest of the season.

‘We’ll then sit down closer to the time and see what it looks like for both of us.’

Mousinho was pleased with the level Thompson operated at in wins at Accrington and Bristol Rovers, and reserved praise for the player’s attitude since the head coach’s January arrival.

He added: ‘If you take into account with Louis he’d never played back-to-back games until last week, it was a big physical ask.

‘I had a long conversation with Louis last Thursday and Friday about where he was.

‘He’s been out since September with a leg break, but he said he was happy and in a good place.

‘It’s been a significant injury for him, but he’s done well in both of those games.

‘It was nothing spectacular, but that was what we asked of him.

‘We wanted him to go to Accrington and Bristol Rovers and be solid in the middle of the park.

‘A lot the work with Louis you don’t necessarily see, but the work he puts in off the ball is a big part of the game.

‘He’s a terrific leader and terrific to have around the place.’