'Roberto Carlos' is happy to help Blues cause
POMPEY'S left-back dilemma is set to be Avram Grant's biggest Wembley conundrum.
Fear not, though, Roberto Carlos is waiting in the wings to solve his problem. Well, according to the Blues boss.
Not that Hayden Mullins, left, quite agrees with his manager's gushing assessment of his full-back abilities.
Pompey fans already sing proud of how Aaron Mokoena is better than Lionel Messi.
Now it appears Grant, right, is joining in with the tongue-in-cheek praise for members of the FA Cup final squad.
For Mullins, it's all a bit of fun, representative of the upbeat atmosphere the Blues' manager brings to Fratton Park.
Nonetheless, it cannot be disagreed that the 31-year-old has impressed since being switched over to left-back.
Naturally right footed, the former West Ham man originally auditioned for the role against Blackburn last month.
He kept his place for the FA Cup semi-final against Spurs, in which he was outstanding in his unfamiliar position.
Mullins was back again in that position against Everton at the weekend and once more turned in a solid, reliable showing.
Now Nadir Belhadj has returned to training, Tal Ben-Haim is fit again, while Lenny Sowah's emergence has put him in the frame.
Then again, can any compare to a certain Brazilian with a trademark free-kick?
Mullins said: 'There have been a few stupid remarks.
'The gaffer does come up with things like that, he's a bit of a joker. He tries to put me in a good light because he knows I don't really like playing there.
'I would definitely rather be in midfield – I'm not even left footed.
'If it's helping the side, though, I don't mind.
'It's nice to be out there playing football and if you are getting results at the same time it makes it better.
'I was put there when the manager said we were really short of bodies. I wasn't going to object.
'I think the position is probably up for grabs for the final but with Nadir (Belhadj) now back in training I think he will be the obvious choice.
'Young Lenny (Sowah) also has played really well and is one for next year but he's had a knock recently.
'Tal (Ben-Haim) is also back now, so there are a couple of defenders there who can play left-back.
'Whoever plays there, I think as long as you can keep your shape and your composure you have got to have a chance of winning games.'
Belhadj remains the obvious choice to take that Wembley left-back berth, yet it may be a gamble considering his time out.
The Algerian international has missed the last nine matches with a hamstring problem, although was expected to return to full training today.
Sowah picked up a knee problem representing Germany under-18s last week but will be fine to challenge for a squad place on May 15.
Ben-Haim is another possibility, having served there for six matches earlier in the season, all while Paul Hart was manager.
He made his comeback as a second-half substitute against Everton at the weekend following two months out with a groin injury.
Suddenly there's plenty of competition on the left-hand side of Grant's defence ahead of the Chelsea clash.
And Mullins admits it's going to be a tough decision as the injuries continue to clear in the build-up.
He added: 'There are so many knocks and injuries, the gaffer has literally got to wait until the last minute to pick his team.
'Everyone is going to want to get back into training, they are all rolling out trying to make the big day.
'I'm just looking to hopefully being involved.
'It's a massive game for the club, the fans and everyone involved.
'It's unbelievable we've got there really but hopefully can go out and give the best we have got.'
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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