Portsmouth midfielder Liam Lawrence is hoping team-mate David Nugent will sign a new contract.
Midfielder feels team-mate is vital player for Pompey
Portsmouth midfielder Liam Lawrence is hoping team-mate David Nugent will sign a new contract at Fratton Park.
Nugent's current deal expires at the end of the season and Pompey boss Steve Cotterill has already expressed his concern that the striker will leave on a free transfer.
However, Lawrence believes the England cap's presence on the South Coast is vital and he is anxious for the club to hang on to the former Preston North End forward.
"Nuge is fantastic," Lawrence told
The News. "He's a great lad, he's a good player and a player we are going to need here.
"I'd love the club and him to get something sorted out with the contract.
"It's just something between him and the club but I hope they get it sorted because we definitely need him next year."
Fitness boost
Meanwhile, Republic of Ireland international Lawrence was happy to make his return from injury as a substitute in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough.
He added: "I've been dying to play, I've been dying to train all week and I've not been able to.
"I've only been able to train one day in about three weeks and I've come and got on as sub. I was a bit tired because I only trained on Friday.
"It's been frustrating because I've been playing with the injury with injections in it for two or three weeks. But now I'm just glad it's sorted. I've not had a reaction, so fingers crossed."
