Pompey boss hoping for future of striker to be decided soon

Michael Appleton has yet to broach the issue of extending the striker’s loan with Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe.

In the meantime, tonight’s trip to Stevenage represents the penultimate match of Thomas’ existing month-long stay.

Appleton desperately wants to keep the striker, who has scored three times in six matches.

And he expects to know whether that is possible towards the end of this week.

Pompey’s boss said: ‘There is still a decision to be made. I expect us to get an idea probably Thursday or Friday this week.

‘Perhaps it’s a good thing Bournemouth have picked up a couple of good results recently because it might have been slightly different!

‘I don’t know if Eddie (Howe) has got other targets in mind or if is happy with the squad he’s got at the minute.

‘He’s got the best of both worlds in the sense of someone who hasn’t been utilised earlier in the season is getting games now.

‘Wes has obviously got good confidence at the minute. Maybe we can keep him around for another month or so.’

Meanwhile, Appleton is weighing up whether to grant Carl Dickinson his second Pompey debut tonight.

The left-back yesterday returned for a second loan spell at the club.

He also trained with his new team-mates as Appleton contemplates granting an instant start at Stevenage.

Alternately, he could keep Mustapha Dumbuya there, with Lee Williamson continuing at right-back.

Dickinson hasn’t played a first-team match since September 1, when he featured for Watford in a 5-1 defeat at Derby.

But Appleton believes the 25-year-old is ready to feature tonight, if required.

He added: ‘Carl is pretty much ready to come in.

‘Like anything we need to know where he is fitness-wise and stuff like that.

‘He tells us he is okay and I know he has been playing in Watford under-21 games.’