Debutant happy with Oxford display
Pompey fans at Oxford might have been surprised when the teams were read out before kick-off.
Just how would left-backs Marcos Painter and Nicky Shorey both fit into the side?
But the latter – who signed for the Blues earlier in the week – was handed a central midfield role in a 0-0 draw at the Kassam Stadium.
And Shorey was a key component of a solid display that earned Pompey a point.
He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought it was a decent result because Oxford are doing well this season.
“I enjoy playing in midfield and feel I can do just as well there as I can at left-back.
“There were a few new players in the side and it will take time for everyone to settle, but we did a good job.
“The lads who are already here have really helped us. There is a great bunch here and I’ve enjoyed my time so far.
“As soon as there was interest from Pompey then I was interested in talking to them. Now I want to get out on the pitch and enjoy playing more football.
“I haven’t played a lot of football this season, but the sharpness will come with games.”
The Blues have now lost just one of their last four games, but Shorey knows there is still a lot of work to be done in order to climb away from the bottom two.
He said: “The table doesn’t lie and we need to start picking up results, but I think this was a solid start.
“The gaffer’s come in and tried to steady the ship. I saw a few of the games before coming here and I think the lads have responded.”