Lomana LuaLua is pleading with Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp to restore him to the team against Manchester United tomorrow - even if it is as a winger.

The £1.7million former Newcastle flyer has killed off suggestions he fell out with Redknapp over which position he should play by insisting: "I'm happy to play anywhere."

But he was left out of the squad altogether for Tuesday's Carling Cup win over Leeds after an indifferent performance two days earlier at Middlesbrough where he was taunted by Boro fans and police investigated allegations that he made rude gestures to the crowd.

The Congo striker was also reported to be unhappy at being asked to play wide on the right in the second half against Tottenham last week, even though it was his fine cross which set up Yakubu's winner.

But LuaLua, who was reported to be carrying a back injury, said: "I was just happy to be in the team. I am one of those players who can adapt to any position across the front line.

"I must admit I was quite surprised to find myself back in the starting line-up against Spurs, but I was delighted with my contribution and my man-of-the-match award.

"Ideally, I prefer starting as a striker.

"That is the position where I feel most comfortable, but I was just happy to be in the team.

"When I discovered I would be used as a winger, I got my head down and gave it 100 per cent, as I always do.

"Although your scoring opportunities are fewer when you play out wide, you get more opportunities to make assists and that's exactly what I did for the Yak's goal against Tottenham.

Midfield craftsman Eyal Berkovic has been ruled out of the Fratton Park clash with United with the calf injury he sustained after scoring Pompey's penalty winner against Leeds.

"He might be out for while," said Redknapp who is also still missing Steve Stone, the man who scored the winner against United in April, with Achilles trouble.

But David Unsworth has recovered from a calf strain and with skipper Arjan de Zeeuw back following six games out with knee ligament damage, Redknapp faces tough choices at the back and may have to axe Andy Griffin and Matt Taylor.