Nicky Deverdics is an outstanding left-back, whether he likes it or not - Craig Harrison

Even though the player himself sees no future in his new-found defensive role.

Harrison says the attacking midfielder has proved a vital cog in the Pools wheel in recent weeks.

And Deverdics, despite his protestations, fits perfectly into the system manager Harrison wants his team to play.

“Devs has done a great job for us in there, as much as he does not like playing left back,” said the boss about the 29-year-old, who was Pools match-winner at South Shields in the FA Cup last weekend.

“Sometimes, in modern day football, full-backs are the most attacking players on the pitch.

“It gives us a bit more attacking prowess going forward.

“We have an attacking player playing a defensive role which can be of benefit in certain games.

“Maybe he doesn’t like the defensive side of things, which a more natural left back would, but as a full-back you have less restrictions on you in that area than ever.”

Harrison, a former Premier League player himself, understands Deverdics’ frustrations.

But he says he has a right battle on his hands to occupy one of the three midfield slots he so craves.

“He wants to play,” said the manager.

“Midfield has been a very competitive area. The three lads we have in there have done a very good job.

“It will be tough to knock them out of there at this moment in time.

“He can do that but at the moment he is playing on the left.

“Blair (Adams) knows that he has to keep working hard to get back in where he wants to be.

“The way football is something will work itself out and I’m sure Blair will play at left back and Devs further forward, too.”