Whittingham still to decide on new-boy East's Pompey role

The 21-year-old arrived from Hull this summer providing a crucial versatility to the Blues’ small squad.

East can operate in the centre of midfield, at centre half or at right-back – at one time even going in goal for the Tigers’ reserves.

Whittingham remains unclear where the youngster’s best position lies as Pompey head into their opening friendly at the Hawks tomorrow (7.45pm).

But he will use the matches in the season’s build-up to pinpoint where precisely he will utilise his talents.

He said: ‘I am not sure yet where Danny will be used.

‘I think he is one we will have a look at in pre-season.

‘Every position is up for grabs, as such.

‘So if he comes in and does the business – whether it’s left-back, right-back or the centre of the park – we will pick the team tomorrow and that’s where it starts.

‘He can play a variety of the positions and that was one of the attractions with signing him.

‘I think predominantly he is a full-back, though, that is where we have known him play.

‘He has played centre half for Hull reserves as well so can play different positions, he’s a good player.

‘The thing about pre-season is everybody starts afresh.

‘We will be looking to get everybody into that first game against Oxford fit and well.

‘And in the build-up to that we will possibly put Danny into different positions to see where best suits.’

East played 19 games on loan at Northampton last season, mostly at right-back.

However, he also lined up as a wing-back and a left-back.

East will give Pompey the same versatility Shaun Cooper supplied towards the end of last season.