Previously coveted by Portsmouth - now Brighton left-back will be hoping to show his prowess against the Blues

But the Bristol City loanee’s potential counterpart was pencilled in as someone who also could have filled his current Blues role.

Kenny Jackett’s men make the short jaunt across the A27 to face the Seagulls in the Carabao Cup second round tomorrow.

Graham Potter is set to make a number changes from his side’s 3-1 Premier League opening-day defeat to Chelsea on Monday and hand fringe players an opportunity to impress.

Alex Cochrane is one who’ll be hoping to be given the nod – and is a name the Fratton faithful will be familiar with.

The 20-year-old was drawn up on the Blues' shopping list as a potential left-back recruit earlier this summer when no recognised option was under contract.

There was uncertainty surrounding Lee Brown's future, such were the lengthy negotiations of his deal before eventually putting pen to paper.

Brandon Haunstrup was always destined to depart, having grown frustrated by his lack of Pompey opportunities and joined Kilmarnock.

And the likelihood of the much-mourned Steve Seddon returning was always a longshot after his impressive loan spell.

The Blues enquired about signing him on a permanent basis but were quoted a price tag unheard of for someone of his age and experience.

On Kenny Jackett's list of potential left-backs were Pring, Leeds’ Leif Davis and Cochrane.

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The latter was someone head of recruitment Phil Boardman had done his due diligence on, watching the fledgling talent play for the Seagulls' under-23s.

While Cochrane had limited senior experience under his belt, featuring only once for Brighton in a Carabao Cup defeat to Aston Villa last September, the sounds were he was more than ready for the step up.

He's regarded not only as one of the most gifted players in Simon Rusk's development squad but ranked among the country’s best up-and-coming left-backs in his age group, having been capped for England under-20s last November.

Certainly, those who've kept a keen eye on Cochrane's progress felt he could have made an impact at Fratton Park.

Mikey Harris coached the defender after leaving Pompey for the Premier League side and felt he was ready to be thrown into League One action.

And as the Blues were braced for the implementation of the salary cap, Cochrane would have been exempt as he was under 21 – another positive.

Yet the move would hit an impasse, with Brighton reluctant to send Cochrane to Fratton Park if wasn't guaranteed regular game-time.

The initial plan for him was to arrive deputy to the experienced Brown and then fight for a starting spot.

Instead, Pompey had to quickly turn their attentions elsewhere, with Jackett citing he needed another specialist left-hand sided defender before the beginning of the campaign.

Pring was instead brought in from Bristol City, although he started the league season on the bench in Blues’ goalless draw with Shrewsbury on Saturday.

That was a role Cochrane would have occupied had Brighton given a switched to PO4 the green light.

Having trained with Potter’s first team after the lockdown period, Cochrane started this campaign off in good style, registering an assist in Brighton under-23s’ 1-1 draw with Tottenham last weekend.

Surely he will feel he’s now more than ready for senior action, with age-group football seemingly a level he’s surpassed.

But first Cochrane will be hoping to display his prowess against the team who once coveted him.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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