'I don't think I know the answer!': Tyrese Shade addresses Portsmouth positional switch
Both of the 26-year-old’s Blues starts have come on the left wing since his deadline-day arrival from Burton Albion
Tyrese Shade admits he’s struggling to recall when he last played regularly as a left winger - but he has absolutely no complaints about his Pompey position.
As centre-forward, the 26-year-old plundered 14 goals for Burton Albion last season, winning him a £1.8m move to Fratton Park on deadline day.
It’s a role the attacker has performed before, mostly recently sporadically at Eastleigh in the 2024-25 season, ensuring he’s not daunted by the challenge.
And he has vowed to do everything he can to be a success there for his new club in the Championship.
‘I am more than comfortable enough’
Shade told The News: ‘I was a number nine at Burton. Probably that’s my profile, I am quick and direct.
‘But we also played with a different formation, so we didn’t actually play with wingers. I was in a two up front, which is similar to what the Pompey fans will see are my qualities, such as running in behind and being one v one.
‘I still do the same when being out wide and I enjoy it, I like to be confident and express myself. There’s no problem with me playing on the wing.
‘In terms of the last time I played regularly on the left, I don’t think I know the answer to that actually! About 12 months ago, I played there for Eastleigh, but it chopped and changed a few times.
‘However, I am more than comfortable enough. The staff can see that as well, that’s why they brought me in to be that flexible attacker, regardless of where I am on the pitch.’
Preferred to Chelsea youngster
For the second successive match, Shade was chosen ahead of Ryan Kavuma-McQueen on the left wing, with the Chelsea youngster coming off the bench to replace him on both occasions.
The pair, of course, are auditioning for the role in the absence of Josh Murphy, who is pencilled in for a return in six weeks following another groin operation.
In Shade’s case, it represents his attacking versatility, which is particularly useful considering Marko Milovanovic is sidelined by a slight calf injury at present.
Colby Bishop was preferred as Milovanovic’s stand-in at The Valley, with Mousinho keeping his deadline-day arrival out on the flank.
Still, with Shade’s experience as a centre-forward, he remains a realistic option should the Blues’ head coach opt to go in that direction against Blackburn next weekend.
The former Burton man added: ‘Whether I am as a number nine or on the left wing, my job is the same - to try to create goal-scoring opportunities.
‘I just have to show I am capable enough to be at this level.’