New Blues left-back will not be a ‘back-up’

JOE GALLEN expects Pompey to have a new leftback at Fratton Park before Saturday.

But he is adamant the incoming recruit is no back-up to Lee Brown.

Shrewsbury Town last night announced Blues target Charlie Daniels has left the club upon the expiry of his short-term contract.

That paves the way for a switch to Pompey – although Gallen was tight-lipped when the name was put to him after the 4-0 success at home to AFC Wimbledon.

Still, should Daniels arrive, it sets up an intriguing selection situation, with Brown first choice at left-back and performing well.

Yet Pompey’s assistant boss insists the Blues are eager for increased competition to bring out the best in players.

Gallen told The News :‘Lee Brown is a very good player for us and very important, but there are so many games. We are basically SaturdayTuesday now until May.

‘The left-back we bring in, we want him to be a good player, we want him to get into the team.

‘He’s not a back-up. We just want a good player, we want them both to fight it out and the manager will pick who he thinks is the best one.

‘That’s what brings out the best in every player – competition.

‘I have a lot of time for Lee, I like him around the group, like him around the team, he brings a lot of experience and can settle everyone down when things aren’t going quite so well.

‘He’s a very consistent player for us, hopefully he’s over his injury problems.

‘We need him, we need him around, and we need him fit.’

Former Bournemouth defender Daniels has been a regular for Shrewsbury this season and appeared in the Premier League for the Cherries last term.