Portsmouth Football Club midfielder Papa Bouba Diop is hopeful of recovering from a knee injury in time for the start of the new season.

The Senegal ace has been out of action since December after picking up the problem against Arsenal, but he has returned to training and now hopes to prove his fitness.

"I can't wait to get out on the pitch again, so I'm looking forward to the friendly matches," Diop told the club's official website. "I haven't played for a long time.

“I need these to get myself ready for the start of the season. Although I was doing some light training by myself at the end of last season, it's much better to be with the squad.

"I only played for half the season last year and was out injured for the other half, so I want to play more games this season. It was frustrating to be injured last year.

"But now I'm just looking forward and concentrating on working hard in training to get myself back into the team. Hopefully I can help Pompey have a successful season.”