Portsmouth talent told to keep options open
The 19-year-old centre-forward was last night handed his Pompey debut in the Checkatrade Trophy trip to Southend.
Surprisingly the striker, who has netted 12 times during an eye-catching loan spell with the Rocks, marked the occasion by featuring in defence.
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Hide AdIt's a role Smith previously occupied during pre-season as a second-half substitute for Nathan Thompson against the Hawks and then Brighton.
Nonetheless, at Roots Hall yesterday evening his right-wing cross created the opener for Louis Dennis after just 93 seconds.
Gareth Evans' 10th goal of the campaign on the stroke of half time completed the 2-0 scoreline.
Now Joe Gallen has advised Smith to focus on showing his adaptability.
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Hide AdPompey's assistant boss said: '˜With Dan, we are trying to get him to be open about his position.
'˜We know he can play centre-forward, he's been out on loan playing centre-forward and scored some goals.
'˜But he's got a really good attitude and should be open where he plays and not narrow himself down to one area.
'˜In his time at the club he was in the youth team in midfield, maybe as a number eight running forward, maybe on the right of a three, then at centre-forward and now he's playing right-back.
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Hide Ad'˜I am led to believe from his performances for the youth team that he has played pretty well in all positions. So I would say to Dan: 'Keep your options open'.
'˜He has such a good attitude that he can do a good job in a number of roles.
'˜I think he has a lot of heart, looks after himself in the gym very, very well, has a very good attitude and is very focused '“ but sometimes you just need to be a little bit flexible.
'˜Many a player has been in one position, somehow gone to another position and a career is born.
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