Striker set for Pompey return

The striker is expected to be ready for an appearance in the Premier League Cup against Colchester on Monday night.

That will be a landmark occasion for Main who has been sidelined since October with a knee issue.

It’s been a frustrating period for the 24-year-old, as it proved a struggle to get to the bottom of the problem.

But last week Main returned to training without a hitch.

And he’s continued in the same vein with a full week under his belt at the club’s Roko training base.

That’s put the summer arrival from Doncaster in line for a reserve outing at Westleigh Park.

Blues boss Paul Cook explained it will be too early for Main to be considered for a start.

But the manager anticipates him being given minutes as Pompey aim to reach the semi-finals of the competition.

He said: ‘I wouldn’t suggest it’d be too early for Curtis – but we’ll watch that space with that. I’d certainly suggest it’s not early.

‘I’d suggest he’ll be involved. Would he be ready to start in that? I’m not too sure.

‘He’s been out for a period, but he’s trained well this week, to be fair to the lad.

‘At the moment he’d be in the squad.’

Main will be out to help the Blues continue their impressive run in the under-23 competition next week.

They began their campaign last year by beating Southend and Barnsley in qualifying rounds

Pompey then topped a group which contained Norwich, Wolves and Everton.

Nicke Kabamba got the only goal as they beat Sheffield United last time out.

Tickets for Monday’s game cost £5 (7pm kick-off).