The Portsmouth prospect who can save side fortune in transfer market this summer

And the Northern Ireland man revealed John Mousinho now sees him as a defensive consideration for the Blues.

Devlin was surprisingly deployed in the position last term, after being recruited from Glentoran as a midfielder last summer.

The 20-year-old looked perfectly comfortable in the role against the likes of Fleetwood and Port Vale, before a shoulder injury sidelined him for three months.

Jordan Williams was the first January arrival and offers the front-line option in that position in the 2023-24 season.

With Joe Rafferty departing Zak Swanson remains a consideration, though Pompey decided not to take up the 12-month option in the former Arsenal man’s contract.

Devlin though could well emerge as player already in the building who can be used a right back, freeing up Pompey’s playing budget to be used in other areas.

Devlin said: ‘I’m only 20, so I’m happy enough to play anywhere. 

‘I just want to play and if it’s at right-back, centre mid or anywhere I’m happy. I’m happy to do a job anywhere.

‘Obviously it’s good for me that the gaffer feels he can trust me and he can rely on me in there at right-back. It’s a good thing to have that, I’m just looking forward to playing anywhere.

‘The gaffer has said I did really well there at the end of last season.

‘Now in terms of next season he’s said he can see me playing as a right-back or centre midfielder.

‘The message is to keep my head down, keep working hard and wait for my chance.’

Devlin sees clear advantages to playing at right-back over the central position he’s operated in his career to date.

And with Mousinho out to play a front-footed game it’s an opportunity he would relish in the Championship.

He added: ‘I feel like it’s good to play right-back and as a centre midfielder I think most people in my position could do that job.

‘You get the ball and everything is in front of you, so I feel it’s not a bad position to play.

‘Also with the way we play we tend to have a lot of the ball so you can bomb forward from that position.

‘I was up and down when I was playing there and it’s somewhere I’d definitely love to play again.’