Sean Raggett open to switch as Portsmouth prepare for defensive reshuffle for Lincoln trip

Gosport-born Whatmough limped out early of Saturday’s 2-0 defeat against Charlton with a hamstring problem – an injury that will subsequently keep him out of action for up to three weeks.

Manager Kenny Jackett replaced him with Danish defender Rasmus Nicolaisen in the centre of defence.

However, the half-time substitution required Raggett to move to the right-hand side of the newly-formed central defensive pairing, with the on-loan Midtjylland centre-half being left-footed.

The switch represented a minor adjustment to the former Norwich defender’s game, with the 27-year-old spending the majority of his career operating on the left-hand side, despite favouring his right foot.

Pompey were keen to utilise Raggett more on the right this season in a bid to improve their attacking fluency from the back.

Yet, Whatmough’s form up until Saturday meant it simply wasn’t feasible.

An injury to the academy product has now forced them down that route, though, with tonight’s game against Lincoln the first of five anticipated matches that the Blues’ best defender this season will miss.

But Raggett reassured fans the switch to accommodate Nicolaisen won’t faze him in any way.

He told The News there’s not that much difference in the two roles, as far as he’s concerned.

Raggett said: ‘I can play left-sided or right-footed.

‘Every team I’ve played in have mostly had two right-footed centre-halves and I would back myself playing on the left.

‘I am comfortable playing there, I have played there a lot – and likewise I’m comfortable playing on the right, so will do whatever.

‘I thought it might be a little bit strange to readjust at half-time during the Charlton game.

‘But I’m comfortable playing either side. I can play right or left, I am happy either way.

‘I don’t think there is any real difference other than playing on your weaker foot, but because you are in different areas of the pitch than what you usually are you feel a bit strange.

‘Really, there’s not much difference.’

Nicolaisen's introduction against Charlton represented his fourth outing for the Blues since his summer move.

Three of those have come from the bench, while his only start came against Southend in the EFL Trophy.

If selected to start against Lincoln, it will be the Dane’s first in League One.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The News has launched a new subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage.

You can subscribe here to get the latest updates from Fratton Park, transfer news and expert analysis from our team of Pompey writers.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism on your behalf for our city.