Portsmouth boss open to handing ex-Sunderland defender new role in bid to revitalise Blues attacking power

The Blues boss is open to pushing the 24-year-old higher up the pitch from his usual left-back role.

Hume impressed after being introduced at half-time for the injured Clark Robertson in last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Morecambe.

With Josh Koroma’s form continuing to disappoint and Owen Dale’s unpredictable displays of late, Cowley is re-evaluating his flank options.

And that has brought Hume into the frame for tonight’s televised visit of fifth-placed Derby (8pm).

Pompey’s head coach told The News: ‘We have considered putting Denver on the wing.

‘He’s a boy who has good athleticism, good one-v-one skills, can dominate that moment, has good combination play, likes to run off the back of opponents, and can give you real penetration.

‘He came on against Morecambe last Saturday and there were eight crosses from him.

‘Absolutely he can play there, considering the position we’re in in those areas, he could be an option for us.

‘Denver started off as a winger early in his career, he actually played his first three games for Sunderland on the right, so he can definitely do it.

‘I never look at the players as Denver Hume left-back or Denver Hume left wing-back, I just look at their attributes and how they can best fit into our team.

‘When you look at their attributes and what they are good at, then it’s your job to put them in those moments as often as you can.’

Hume has endured an injury-ravaged time at Fratton Park since his January arrival, last starting a League One match in March.

But Cowley is adamant the former Sunderland man is pushing hard for a first-team spot.

He added: ‘For the last eight weeks, Denver has trained consistently, which is great news for everybody as we know how hard he’s worked to be in this position.

‘He has started to find a rhythm, which is really important for any player.

‘You always say that if you miss your pre-season it can really hurt the players, you are always playing catch-up.

‘But he’s had a pre-season now. It has come a little late yet certainly there’s a foundation and platform for him to hopefully push on.’