Guy: We're not ruling out Sodje or Rocha

Guy Whittingham secured his second central defender in five days when he recruited Joe Devera from Swindon this week.

The 26-year-old joined new signing Sonny Bradley and home-grown youngster Adam Webster as Whittingham’s options in the heart of his defence in League Two.

Pompey’s manager has stated he wants a total of three centre-halves in what is anticipated to be a small squad.

However, the versatility of Devera – who has played at full-back for Swindon – and Webster means there could still be room for Sodje or Rocha.

Whittingham said: ‘Sam and Ric are still in our thoughts.

‘We are not dismissing them at all.

‘It is vital in League Two you have centre-halves who head the ball and are strong, so them returning is not something we are ruling out.

‘We have three centre-halves – which is what I wanted.

‘But two of those can play in any position across the defence, which is ideal because we are looking at a small squad.

‘You still need three central defenders, though, and it may be the case of having five defenders in total rather than six.

‘We have spoken to both Ric and Sam and will see how that one develops.

‘We’re not forgetting about them or anything like that.’

Sodje made nine appearances for Pompey last season and possesses plenty of lower-division experience.

The 33-year-old has played for Brentford and Notts County in a much-travelled career.

Meanwhile, Rocha could become the second player in Pompey history to feature in all four divisions for the club.

Alan Knight currently holds that distinction.