On-loan striker Aruna Dindane has been given the green light to play for Portsmouth in the FA Cup final against Chelsea by his parent-club Lens (Pompey 9/2 to win the Cup).

The news is a major boost for Pompey ahead of the Wembley showdown next month (Chelsea 1/8 to retain the trophy) after it initially looked like the key forward would be denied the chance to play for Avram Grant’s side again this season.

Under the original terms of his season-long loan switch to Fratton Park, Portsmouth would have had to sign him on a permanent basis for £4million if he had made one more appearance but, after holding discussions with the French side, Pompey have now received clearance to play him without having to fork out any cash.

The administrator in charge of the south coast club, Andrew Andronikou, says the player has been told by Lens he is now free to play in any of the club’s remaining four games – including the Cup final  (HT-FT draw-Portsmouth – 18/1).

“Aruna in on his way back with a letter from Lens,” Andronikou said.

“I have been told he can play the rest of our games – including the Chelsea final – and we won’t have to pay any money.”

Dindane has scored seven goals for Portsmouth in all competitions this season but, following the 4-1 defeat at Liverpool in March, the Ivory Coast international has only featured in one more game for Grant’s side – the 2-0 Cup semi-final win over Spurs  – because they were unable to afford to pay the money to Lens another appearance would have triggered.