Adam Barton is delighted to get a Pompey start under his belt - but hopes the next one will be in midfield.

The summer recruit made his debut as one of the senior members of a very young team in the 2-0 JP Trophy exit at Exeter on Tuesday night.

He was drafted into defence and happy just to play after sitting out pre-season and the early part of the campaign through injury.

Barton told the Pompey website: 'I’m happy to get the 90 minutes under my belt — that was the most important thing for me. I’ve never had a groin injury in my life, so to come here and get one in pre-season was frustrating.

'It’s not great to be sat in the stands watching games, but it’s given me a chance to see what the atmosphere at Fratton is like. I’ve been working hard with the physios and now I feel absolutely fine and raring to go.

'I was playing out of position, but at this moment I was just after the game time. This match was another step forward for me — although hopefully next time it’ll be in the centre of midfield.'

Barton may get a call to the bench for Saturday's home clash with Accrington.

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