Former Portsmouth star Alan McLaughlin is backing Younes Kaboul to fill the void left by departing fullback Glen Johnson.

The England international is deciding between offers from Liverpool and Chelsea and McLaughlin told The News: "It is going to be very difficult to fill Glen's boots so whoever it is we must give them the time and accept they are not as good.

"But Younes can do it. We seen glimpses of him last season when he was on fire and I really think he can do it.

"You can see the potential and the athlete within him. He has a physical presence, although, admittedly, has to work on his distribution.

"But two years ago Glen had question marks."