SHWAN Jalal hopes to continue on the comeback trail when Cherries host Portsmouth in tonight's pre-season friendly at Dean Court (7.45pm).

The ex-Tottenham trainee, 29, joined first-choice custodian Ryan Allsop on the sidelines after picking up a thumb injury during Cherries' pre-season training camp in Zurich.

Jalal, who featured regularly during the first three of his five seasons at Cherries, displaced David James as first-choice in January before losing his place to Allsop.

And with veteran Darryl Flahavan penning a new deal over the summer, the former England C international's thoughts have turned to his own playing time.

But after playing more than an hour at Poole Town on Thursday and the full 90 minutes at Woking on Saturday, Jalal is keen to ramp up his preparations in an attempt to force his way back into contention.

Jalal told the Daily Echo: “It's going to be a battle for the starting spot this season with Rocky (Allsop) and Flavs so I'm trying to get as many minutes under my belt before the season kicks off.

“I had a small problem with my thumb which has kept me out of a few friendlies but it is good to be back and I am looking forward to playing a few more games during pre-season to try to get my fitness up.”

On his prospects of securing the number one spot, Jalal added: “It is hard to say. There are three of us all wanting that spot. The manager has rotated it during pre-season but, with Rocky's injury, it will be one of those things that may be left to the last minute.

“I'm just going to take each game as it comes. I wasn't in the side towards the end of last season so that is something that's in the back of my mind.”