The case for Kaboul's defence

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed he only played Younes Kaboul in midfield at Chelsea as a last resort.

The Frenchman was handed his Pompey debut in a baptism of fire at Stamford Bridge and the visitors went on to lose 4-0.

But Redknapp insists the reluctant sale of Pedro Mendes - plus Sulley Muntari's switch to Inter Milan - forced his hand.

He told the News: "I had to throw Kaboul in to play in midfield and obviously he found it difficult.

"I had to play the lad in midfield and he had not had a pre-season game. I brought Kaboul in to play centre-back, but I lost Pedro on Thursday - not that I wanted to but we needed to get some money back in."

Redknapp added: "'I also lost Sulley Muntari from last season who gave us fantastic energy. He could run, tackle, cover the ground and shoot. He's been a big loss."