N'Diaye impresses as Blues weigh up new faces

A host of players were at Pompey’s training ground yesterday hoping to earn themselves deals.

Former Crystal Palace midfielder Alassane N’Diaye, ex-Bristol City winger Tristan Plummer and Maltese striker Aman Verma were among those present.

Whittingham is keen to have another look at N’Diaye, who has been playing for Hayes & Yeading.

He is maintaining an open mind about Plummer, too, but feels the 23-year-old is out of shape at present.

A move for Verma, who was at Leicester City before joining Maltese side Floriana two years ago, is less likely.

Whittingham said: ‘We are where we are.

‘We’re planning for next year and we are looking for players who will help this club.

‘We’re looking for young players who are hungry to do well.

‘I thought he (N’Diaye) showed some good touches.

‘He’s a big, powerful midfielder. He can play centre-midfield and has been used before as a striker.

‘We’ve asked him to come in and train with us. He showed that he’s played football at a decent level for Palace. You can tell he’s a footballer.

‘Hopefully he’ll go away and keep himself fit.

‘Who’s to say we can’t do something before the end of the season?

‘Tristan Plummer was also out there yesterday. I took him on his Level 2 coaching at Bristol City. He was the one everyone thought would go on and do well but he drifted.

‘He won’t be back before the summer, if he’s back.

‘He’s been in Portugal but is about two stone overweight and I told him that.

‘Verma’s another one we are looking at.

‘Nothing will happen with them at the moment, though.’