Connolly: I would consider staying at Pompey

But the veteran striker would consider remaining at Fratton Park as he strives to carry on playing for at least two more years.

Guy Whittingham has publicly stated he wants to keep Connolly, who has scored four times in 11 matches.

However, the on-going administration process and forthcoming High Court case ensure nothing can be signed off on the playing front.

Connolly is one of 15 players out of contract at the end of the campaign, with Whittingham interested in keeping many of those.

In the meantime, the former Southampton striker – who turns 36 in June – remains uncertain what his next move will be.

Connolly said: ‘I haven’t spoken to anyone (about staying) yet.

‘I have heard things they want to do, this and that, and know there are players they want.

‘But at the moment I don’t know what they are doing and – considering the situation with administration – how that would work.

‘I would consider staying, of course.

‘But it hasn’t been put to me so there’s nothing to consider.

‘In fairness, I don’t mind that.

‘The club has bigger fish to fry.

‘Although saying that I do believe you have to be really careful with player recruitment to make sure you have the right people in the building because that is the lifeblood of that team.

‘Who knows who is going to be here next year?

‘I don’t know if I am but it still doesn’t stop you doing your best for the time you are here.

‘Whether you are starting or not, whether you are on the bench or in the stands, or whether you know you are going to be here next year or not – you still have a job to do to the best of your ability.

‘I don’t take playing for Portsmouth for granted, nor the 12,000 fans being there.

‘The crowd are knowledgeable, I know they appreciate it and I enjoy playing for them.’

Connolly joined at the turn of the year after being without a club since leaving Southampton last summer.

His tireless displays since have won admiration from the Fratton faithful.

And the ex-Wimbledon and Watford man does not intend to retire just yet.

He added: ‘Hopefully I can carry on for a good few years.

‘I feel good, I feel fine, I feel healthy, I feel fit.

‘Once I am recovered from the match I stay out there training longer than anyone else.

‘I think I can keep playing for a good few years and it is good now we are giving pride to our final few games.

‘It could have been so easy to bow out with a whimper and be an embarrassment.

‘Instead everyone has pulled their socks up and given it a right good go over the past few weeks.’