Pompey's Bishop 'grateful' after heart surgery

Colby Bishop scored on his first appearance of the season for Portsmouth

Portsmouth striker Colby Bishop has described the months that followed his open heart surgery as "horrific" but says the ordeal has made him feel "grateful".

The 28-year-old underwent a procedure over the summer after a potential risk had been identified during off-season cardiac screening, which had prevented him from playing any part in the season so far.

But Bishop made a surprise return to the matchday squad for Saturday's Championship game against Preston North End, scoring a second-half penalty as Pompey won 3-1 for their first home victory of the campaign.

"I’m not going to lie to you it was horrific," Bishop told BBC Radio Solent.

"I had a 12-day-old baby by the time I had the surgery, I wasn’t guaranteed anything at all throughout the process but right now life is good, so I’m very grateful.

"It was strange for me because when I was told I needed the operation I felt completely fine.

"I came back from the summer probably the fittest I’ve ever been in my career, I was at the front of every running session and I worked really hard through the off season."

The striker was a key part of Portsmouth's promotion-winning side last season, making 48 appearances and scoring 21 goals.

Bishop was not registered in Portsmouth's squad at the start of this campaign so many thought that the first opportunity to see him back on the pitch would be January 2025 when lists could be resubmitted.

"It’s something that we’ve been keeping under wraps." Portsmouth boss John Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent.

"Colby had three scans through the week to get his final check-off but there was every chance he might not have been available or it could have been another six weeks or January as we originally expected.

"Colby’s been training with the first team for six weeks now so we knew he would be ready, the whole situation is testament to Colby and how quickly he has managed to get back from it all, it’s a massive boost for us."

There were emotional scenes at Fratton Park as Pompey's number nine emerged from the bench late in the second half of the game.

It was attacker Callum Lang who won a penalty with 10 minutes remaining, the game poised at 2-1 but he handed the ball over to Bishop, keen for him to take the spot kick.

Bishop's well-struck penalty sent Preston keeper Freddie Woodman the wrong way, loud cheers sounding around the stadium as he pointed and ran over to where his family were sat.

"It’s been a really tough couple of months and I’m really grateful to be back playing," Bishop added.

"I found out over the last few days before the game that I could get back into the squad, to say I was over the moon was an understatement.

"Through the whole three months all I’ve through about is getting back to Fratton Park and scoring a goal, I thought it would take a bit longer but I’m delighted it’s come so soon.

"I was trying not to well up in the changing room with all the nice things they were saying to me, the team and the staff have been so great with me."