Paul Cook tight-lipped on Pompey’s replacement right-back

The 20-year-old turned in a towering performance at centre-back in the Capital One Cup win over Derby recently and has filled in as a full-back in recent seasons.

But with Davies ruled out with a hamstring injury for today’s home clash with Morecambe, boss Paul Cook wants an alternative replacement.

Cook said: ‘Adam won’t play there, a right-back won’t arrive in time and Gareth Evans won’t play there.

‘Adam is a fantastic, ball-playing centre-half. He will come back into the team on Tuesday night.

‘We had a deal lined up that didn’t quite happen this week with a player.

‘And Gareth played there at Crawley. It was his first time and it was probably the last as well!’

Cook may ask Enda Stevens to switch to right-back and bring in Brandon Haunstrup at left-back.

Young midfielder Ben Close could be an option in that role, or Cook could have another trick up his sleeve.

The Blues boss said: ‘You can ask me but I won’t tell you. The option is there to pick any player. Don’t worry, I’m sure we will have a right-back.’

Cook insists he is still actively looking in the transfer market and there appears to be good news on Davies’ injury.

Cook added: ‘I’m not going to guess how long Ben is going to be out but it’s not quite as bad as we thought it might be.’

– STEVE WILSON