Luckless former Portsmouth defender Tareiq Holmes-Dennis to leave Bristol Rovers

The former Blues loanee has just been released by Bristol Rovers after another season hampered by injury.

He was named in the Gas’ list of players they will let go upon the expiry of their contracts and joins former Pompey academy midfielder Theo Widdrington and long-time Blues target Liam Sercombe in seeking a new club.

The left-back leaves the Memorial Stadium with just 30 appearances under his belt, after arriving for an undisclosed fee from Huddersfield in the summer of 2018.

He made 21 appearances last term for the Pirates but was restricted to just nine outings this campaign due to injury.

The setback is the latest Holmes-Dennis, 24, has had to deal with in recent seasons.

After arriving at Fratton Park on loan from Huddersfield in the summer of 2017, he excited Pompey fans with his energetic performances in pre-season as he showed attacking intent from his full-back position.

The former England under-18 international started Kenny Jackett’s first game in charge against Rochdale at Fratton Park.

But 39 minutes into his debut he suffered season-ending ligament damage in his left knee and never played for the Blues again – much to the fans’ disappointment.

It took him 16 months to feature again at first-team level, lining up for then new club Bristol Rovers in their 2-0 Checkatrade Trophy defeat to Exeter on November 13, 2018.

However, further surgery on his knee last summer, along with several niggling injuries, denied him the chance to show Rovers fans his true worth.

From the nine appearances he made this season, only four came in the league, as the Gas closed the season in 14th position.

Following his release, we wish Homes-Dennis the best of luck for the next chapter in his career.