Aruna Dindane took matters into his own hands to gain a release from Lens so he could play out the season with Portsmouth.

Dindane, who struck both goals in the 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers, originally looked set to never feature for Pompey again, though, with Lens insisting the Blues would need to stump up £4m if he was selected one more time.

It prompted Dindane to step into the argument and approach the Lens chairman directly.

Now the 29-year-old has been given the green light to play for Avram Grant's side for the remainder of the season - including the FA Cup final and tomorrow's trip to Bolton.

And despite reports Pompey needed to pay £2m in compensation to seal that arrangement, administrator Andrew Andronikou insists it will not cost the club a penny.

He told The News: "Dindane can play for the remainder of the season and there will be no cost.

"Lens have waived that portion of the contract. They have allowed him to play because it means the player will be put in the shop window. He could not ask for a better window than the FA Cup final. Moreover, the player is looking to be included in the Ivory Coast team for the World Cup.

"Their manager, Mr Eriksson, has asked to see him play specifically before he decides if he plays in his team. It got to a point where if he hadn't played for Pompey he may have been excluded from the team.

"Aruna physically went and saw the chairman and put a case where it was in the interests of Lens. He signed the requisite, came back on Eurostar Monday night and can play."