KEN MONKOU is crossing his fingers that he will be back on the South Coast on Monday for a meaty clash against old rivals Pompey.

The former Saints favourite is currently on a short-term contract at Huddersfield, who visit Fratton Park for the televised Bank Holiday fixture (noon kick-off).

Today they were at home to Crystal Palace with Monkou desperately hoping to avoid any injury which would deny him the chance to return to Hampshire - even though he is guaranteed a hostile reception.

He said: "I would say I am still a couple of matches away from my top standard of fitness. I have been out for a while and I need games but I played on Tuesday night and hopefully I will be OK for Monday.

"After leaving The Dell my situation got quite complicated with all sorts of rumours and people trying to get involved so I pulled away from it all.

"Gerry Francis asked me if I wanted to train at QPR which I did and then Steve Bruce phoned and asked if I wanted to play at Huddersfield for a while.

"I still regard myself as a Premiership player but this is a good chance to get fit. They are a very ambitious club and well run and even though it is short-term, it was nice to be wanted.

"I'm not looking too far ahead at the moment though."

Saints' reserve team friendly against the Australians on Thursday is strictly a closed-doors affair. No fans will be admitted and even club scouts will have to apply through official channels to get in.

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