FORMER Portsmouth star Alan McLoughlin has expressed his gratitude to Cherries for their generosity ahead of a pre-season friendly between the clubs.

Cherries will visit Fratton Park on Saturday, July 23 in a benefit game for long-serving Pompey stalwart McLoughlin (3pm kick-off).

And Cherries have agreed to donate their half of the gate receipts to a fund for McLoughlin, who made 354 appearances and scored 67 goals for the club.

The ex-Republic of Ireland midfielder remains a huge Pompey favourite, having also served the club as both Academy and first-team coach.

He told the Portsmouth News: “I have to say thanks to Eddie Howe and thanks to Bournemouth who are not going to split the fees with the football club – it is going to go into the benefit fund. It is huge thanks to Eddie and everyone concerned at Bournemouth for that kind gesture.

“We have priced the tickets in such a way that it will encourage people and families to come to the game. Myself and the committee have made sure that it is an affordable game and one that people should want to come to see and support Portsmouth.

“For Bournemouth fans, they will probably have a few new signings. They have moved on a long, long way since we played them a couple of years ago at Fratton Park. They have gained in confidence and stature.

“For them to allow their half to be donated back into the benefit fund is fantastic. They have acted with huge dignity and respected with regard to what we are trying to do.

“I have played many a game against Bournemouth in pre-season and hope it will be a good game. I believe Eddie is bringing a full-strength side because he is preparing for the Premier League season.”

Meanwhile, reports coming out of Spain have suggested Cherries are being lined up to host Valencia in a pre-season friendly in early August.