Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp admits he played Younes Kaboul in midfield against Chelsea to boost his fitness.

Redknapp said: "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. 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."

Redknapp did not rule out using the Frenchman in midfield again and believes his new signing will improve with match fitness.

Redknapp said: "I didn't bring him in to play in midfield, but the lad needs to get fit. He hasn't had any pre-season games and you need those games to get fit. I threw him in at the deep end and it was difficult for him."