Donohue shelves Pompey midfield ambitions

The Welshman is instead committed to improving as a left-back – after being told by boss Kenny Jackett that’s where he wants him to play.

Donohue signed for the Blues from Chesterfield last summer.

He revealed his favoured position was in the centre of midfield after putting pen to paper.

However, Donohue has started just once in the middle of the park this season.

The majority of his 23 appearances have come on the left-hand side of defence and he has started Pompey’s past four games in that role.

The 23-year-old admits he still desires to play in central midfield.

But he is happy to operate as a full-back in the meantime.

‘I played full-back for Chesterfield quite a bit but you never stop learning when it’s not your natural position,’ said Donohue.

‘They have told me they want me to be a left-back. To forget about the midfield role for now and concentrate on being a full-back.

‘The gaffer has pulled me in and made it clear that’s where he wants me playing and hopefully I can keep playing every week.

‘Going forward comes more naturally than the defensive side.

‘Being a midfielder, you obviously know you’ve got to go forward.

‘Obviously, I would like to go back to playing in midfield.

‘However, the first thing I said when I came in is I just want to play.

‘If that’s what the manager wants from me (playing left-back) then as long as it keeps me on the pitch I’m willing to do that.’

Donohue has shown marked improvement in the past few weeks.

He is seemingly reaping the rewards of his extra sessions after training.

The former Everton schoolboy has stayed behind with assistant manager Joe Gallen to work on the defensive aspect of his game.

He has looked to improve his back-post heading, with Nicke Kabamba helping out after he arrived back on loan from Colchester.

Donohue saluted the aid he has been given by Gallen and his Pompey team-mates during those sessions.

And the Anglesey-born talent insists he will continue to keep working hard.

Donohue added: ‘I’ve been staying behind to do a bit of work with Joe.

‘I’ll keep working and hopefully keep improving every week.

‘Nicke Kabamba helped me out a lot when he came back (from Colchester).

‘Joe was feeding the ball in and he helped me out.

‘A lot of it is back-post defending.

‘He will get a winger in and they will put a ball across and I’ve got to head it clear for 20 minutes or so.

‘It’s definitely helped me out. But I still think I’ve got a lot to learn so I’ll just keep working on it.’