Devastated Nicky Deverdics plays himself into Hartlepool United left-back role

Deverdics, who turned 30 yesterday, is not a fan of the back four, given he would like to be higher up the field.

However, the Geordie, now sporting a full shocking head of blond hair, has rather played his own way back into the full-back slot, with boss Craig Harrison hoping the skilled left-footer is accepting of the situation.

After four matches in midfield, Deverdics found himself alongside Louis Laing, Scott Harrison and Liam Donnelly at the back against Halifax in midweek.

Not that he was there for long, linking with Michael Woods high up the Victoria Park turf in the fourth minute before applying the most sumptuous of finishes to give Pools a lead on three minutes, 45 seconds.

It was his third goal of the season – all scored as a left-back – and there was almost a fourth before the break as a stunning free-kick hit Sam Johnson’s right-hand stick with the keeper beaten.

Three other dead-ball strikes all went awry but what an evening for the ex-Dover star.

“Devs moans about playing left-back but he’s marauded forward and finished his chance superbly,” said boss Harrison, who will select Deverdics on the left side of the defence at Ebbsfleet tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

“Modern-day football is all about the attacking full-back.

“When a full-back attacks from deep it is so hard for a team to defend against it

“If you are always moving, it’s so hard to combat.

“I know he doesn’t like full-back, but he’s playing well, he needs to realise that.

“He gives us another attacking, forward-thinking player on the pitch.”