Discovery+ and Quest pundit Ian Holloway has admitted that he would love to see Portsmouth secure a return to the Championship.

After narrowly missing out on a place in the play-offs last season, Pompey have experienced a difficult start to the 2021/22 campaign under the guidance of manager Danny Cowley.

Despite altering his squad by drafting a host of fresh faces during the summer transfer window, Cowley has yet to get the best out of his players.

Whilst the season is still in its infancy, the Pompey boss will know that his side may struggle to launch a push for a top-six finish this year if they continue to struggle in the third-tier.

Pompey will be looking to bounce back from their recent 2-1 defeat to Burton Albion when they face Sunderland in League One this weekend.

Currently 13th in the third-tier, Portsmouth could potentially move above the likes of Accrington Stanley and Morecambe in the standings if they seal all three points in their clash with the Black Cats on Saturday.

However, when you consider that Sunderland are currently leading the way in League One, Pompey could potentially be in for a tough afternoon at Fratton Park if they fail to step up to the mark.

In an exclusive interview with Football League World, Holloway has revealed that he would love to see Portsmouth achieve promotion next year whilst he has also praised the club's supporters.

The former Grimsby Town boss said: "It's another sleeping giant, Portsmouth.

"I have got an awful lot of time for that football club so secretly I am hoping they will go up because of the Pompey supporters, I love them.

"I think they are fantastic."

Holloway later added: "I've got a secret little affinity with them so hopefully they will go up.

"Let's hope the Cowley brothers can do it for them."

You can watch all of the latest EFL highlights on discovery+ and Quest.