SHAUN DERRY returns to familiar surroundings tomorrow in unfamiliar territory.

The Pompey midfielder will face his old club Sheffield United from the centre of defence to help manager Tony Pulis out of a crisis.

With Darren Moore likely to be ruled out with the hamstring injury picked up in the pre-season friendly at Exeter and Adie Whitbread out for the first three months of the season following knee surgery, Pompey are chronically short of central defenders.

Summer Bosman signing from Reading, Linvoy Primus, is the only fit, recognised stopper, which means Derry will have to fill in alongside him in a role he has not filled since his £600,000 arrival at Fratton Park.

Ironically, Derry's last appearances in the centre of defence were for The Blades, and he says: "I played there under Steve Bruce and I'm quite happy to fill in there for Pompey.

"But I don't want the tag of a utility player as I want to establish myself as a midfielder."

Derry admits his return to Bramall Lane will be a nostalgic one and he's hoping he did enough during his time with The Blades to have earned the supporters' respect there.

"I wouldn't say I have anything to prove to anybody at Bramall Lane because I gave my all for Sheffield United, and I'm sure the fans will understand that and hopefully they will give me a good reception," he said.

"I have been trying to put out of my mind that I'm going back to face my old club and blokes like Curtis Woodhouse who used to be my team-mates but you naturally can't help thinking about it.

"When I was at Sheffield United I played against my previous club Notts County and it gives the game a bit of extra spice.

"I'm looking forward to it, it's going to be a big day because it's the first day of the season, as well as on a personal note."

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