Portsmouth talent told to keep options open

The 19-year-old centre-forward was last night handed his Pompey debut in the Checkatrade Trophy trip to Southend.

Surprisingly the striker, who has netted 12 times during an eye-catching loan spell with the Rocks, marked the occasion by featuring in defence.

It's a role Smith previously occupied during pre-season as a second-half substitute for Nathan Thompson against the Hawks and then Brighton.

Nonetheless, at Roots Hall yesterday evening his right-wing cross created the opener for Louis Dennis after just 93 seconds.

Gareth Evans' 10th goal of the campaign on the stroke of half time completed the 2-0 scoreline.

Now Joe Gallen has advised Smith to focus on showing his adaptability.

Pompey's assistant boss said: '˜With Dan, we are trying to get him to be open about his position.

'˜We know he can play centre-forward, he's been out on loan playing centre-forward and scored some goals.

'˜But he's got a really good attitude and should be open where he plays and not narrow himself down to one area.

'˜In his time at the club he was in the youth team in midfield, maybe as a number eight running forward, maybe on the right of a three, then at centre-forward and now he's playing right-back.

'˜I am led to believe from his performances for the youth team that he has played pretty well in all positions. So I would say to Dan: 'Keep your options open'.

'˜He has such a good attitude that he can do a good job in a number of roles.

'˜I think he has a lot of heart, looks after himself in the gym very, very well, has a very good attitude and is very focused '“ but sometimes you just need to be a little bit flexible.

'˜Many a player has been in one position, somehow gone to another position and a career is born.

'˜We are not saying you aren't a centre-forward, just be flexible about it and be open about other positions too.'

In a back four also consisting of Christian Burgess, Matt Casey and Brandon Haunstrup, the Blues registered a second-successive clean sheet.

It provided the backbone for a fourth-straight victory, enabling them to progress into the quarter-finals of the Checkatrade Trophy.

Following last weekend's FA Cup upset at Carrow Road, Kenny Jackett's men remain involved in three competitions.

And Gallen was delighted with performance of a defence lacking regulars Matt Clarke and Jack Whatmough.

He added: '˜I thought Dan did great in that defence.

'˜I know he put the ball in for the goal and right-back distribution is important, but ultimately it's about defending and keeping a clean sheet.

'˜He was part of a back four which kept a clean sheet, so he did well.'