FAO Scully ...

Johnny Ertl has been backed to shine as Pompey’s emergency central defender.

The experienced midfielder has found his team role altering during the pre-season campaign.

Several times the former Sheffield United man has filled in at the centre of defence as a substitute, most recently in last weekend’s 2-1 loss to Charlton.

Ertl, of course, made his Blues debut in September 2012 as a central defender against Oldham.

He ended up scoring a decisive own goal and being substituted in the 1-0 defeat under Michael Appleton.

Since then he has started just twice in the role, with managers preferring him in the centre of midfield.

But Andy Awford would have no hesitation in utilising the 31-year-old in a defensive position.

He said: ‘I quite like Johnny as a centre half and watched him play there earlier in his career.

‘I think we all know he prefers to play in the middle of the park and that is probably where he is best, in a three sat there between two others breaking the play up.

‘I

Yes,I read that.Unfortunately I don't think he will get many opportunities due to the queue in front of him.
I would give him a go at Centre forward.

Crikey didn't see that one coming :star:

Yep,could be our version of Joe Royle

Jim Royle shurely?