Captain is comfortable at the back - if required

TOM Naylor has offered his services to fill the void created by Christian Burgess’ suspension.

The Blues go to Accrington Stanley tomorrow knowing they face another defensive shake-up, with Brandon Haunstrup injured and Burgess suspended.

No player has played more League One minutes than centre-half Burgess, who picked up his fifth caution of the season against Peterborough last weekend.

The fit-again Sean Raggett and Paul Downing are options for Kenny Jackett at the Crown Ground.

But Naylor stated he’s more than happy to drop back from midfield if required.

He said: ‘I think if the manager wants to put me back there, I’m more than capable of doing it.

‘I’ve done it plenty of times in my career and I’m comfortable doing it.

‘If he wants to call on me, I’ll probably get a call.

‘We have other good players there who can do a job, too.

‘But if he sees I’m the right person to go back there, I’m more than happy to do it. I’d play anywhere in this team.

‘We’ve got a few centrehalves. There’s a few options, so whatever the gaffer chooses, we’ll respect and go from there.’

Dropping Naylor into defence would mean a reshuffle for Pompey, with a space created in midfield.

But the skipper noted how Anton Walkes showed himself to be a more than capable deputy during his recent injury absence.

Naylor added: ‘Anton has done brilliantly there.

‘He’s been out of the squad and not playing, but he’s professional, came in and done fantastically.

‘It’s a credit to him. If there’s a gap in midfield or defence, we have the players to call upon.’

– JORDAN CROSS