Grateful to be back in the fold - and for all the support he has been shown by staff and team-mates at Fratton Park.

That sums up how Colby Bishop is feeling after making a shock and quicker-than-expected return to Pompey's team and marking it with a converted penalty to wrap up last Saturday's 3-1 victory over Preston.

No-one thought he'd be back so soon after undergoing summer heart surgery - especially Pompey's fans, who didn't even know he was registered to play this side of the new year.

But after making that emotional return, in fromt of his partner and baby daughter, Bishop told the club media how good it felt.

'It was obviously a really special moment for me and my family after what’s been a tough few months,' he said. 'I’m so grateful to be back playing and the important thing is we got the win, while the goal was the cherry on top.

'It was all up in the air and we weren’t too sure if I’d be able to play, but I found out a couple of days ago and to say I was over the moon is probably an understatement.

'We originally believed it would take longer, but all I’ve really thought about is getting out there at Fratton Park again and scoring. The summer was horrific and I had a 12-day-old baby by the time I had the surgery, so it’s great to be on the mend and life is good at the moment.

'I felt completely fine when I returned for pre-season and was probably the fittest I’ve been in my career. So when someone says you need open-heart surgery, it’s not the nicest of news, but I’m proud of myself for coming through it.

'The lads have been amazing from day one, as have the staff. I was trying not to well up in the changing room because of all the plaudits. It’s been tough watching and being a Pompey fan, but I’ve seen signs that we can do well in this league. If we keep playing like that, then I know we’ll get results.'

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