‘I will be fighting’: Portsmouth favourite ready to ease transfer pressure of Blues' recruitment team
Zak Swanson impressed in his first Pompey start at left-back during Saturday’s 3-1 win over Millwall
Zak Swanson is ready to answer John Mousinho’s left-back SOS after an outstanding display against Millwall on Saturday.
And the 25-year-old has made it clear he will put up a strong fight against Jordan Williams to maintain his spot in Connor Ogilvie’s absence.
The Blues are in the midst of an injury crisis at left-back, with Ogilvie expected to be out until January with a knee issue, while Jacob Farrell continues to be sidelined with a problematic groin.
Despite this, John Mousinho has ruled out the possibility of delving into the free-agent market to aid their issues, while sporting director Rich Hughes believes the Blues could also opt against strengthening in that area during the January window.
This has seen right-footed duo Swanson and Williams fill in on the left-hand side of defence in recent weeks, with both impressing during the 3-1 triumph over Millwall last-time out.
Zak Swanson ready to answer Pompey SOS
And after adapting to the role in training during the recent international break, the former Arsenal talent is adamant he has what it takes to transition into a makeshift left-back during Ogilvie’s absence.
He told The News: ‘Yeah, hopefully. I just want to play, that's the ambition whether that’s at right-back or left-back. I just want to play.
‘I’ve got other lads fighting for the position and that’s healthy competition, that’s exactly what we need in the team.
‘With Con (Connor Ogilvie) out we need someone to play there so hopefully that’s me and I will be fighting for it.
‘We worked on it in training during the international break so we had a few days of training with that. We’re missing Con, he’s obviously a big miss for us but it’s about adapting.
‘Willo (Jordan Williams) has played there, now I’ve played there so we're all ready to adapt. We want players that can help and fight for the team really as much as anything.
‘Yes, it’s a different position for me, but it’s about fighting for the team and playing for everyone.’
Zak Swanson relishing competition with Jordan Williams
Swanson deputised at left-back for the first time in a Pompey shirt on Saturday, while Williams had started the Blues’ previous two Championship matches in place of Ogilvie.
And while the duo provide each other with much-needed advice, Swanson has made it clear he will prove tough competition in the battle for a starting spot at left-back.
‘Willo is a top lad, we only back each other. When he’s playing I hope he kicks on and I’m sure he does the same when I play.
‘We both want to play and we help each other out but there is only one shirt to play for.’