Portsmouth midfielder Matt Ritchie says some hard work in the gym has got him to a point where he feels the strongest he has for some time.
The 35-year-old scored his first goal for the club in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Swansea but they remain bottom of the Championship.
“My body is in a really good place and I’ve felt strong for a really long time now,” Ritchie told BBC Radio Solent.
“I’ve been working hard with the guys in the gym and just doing small little bits and pieces – obviously people know I didn’t play a lot of football over the last 18 months but my body is in a fantastic place.”
Ritchie started his career with Portsmouth, making 10 first-team appearances before moving on to Swindon, Bournemouth and then earning a £12m move to Newcastle.
After eight years at St James’ Park, he returned to Portsmouth in July.
Pompey now face back-to-back home games against Bristol City and Norwich City.
“Fratton Park has to become a place where teams know what they’re going to get and a place they fear coming to,” added Ritchie.