PORTLAND United boss Brendan King confessed he has “big decisions” to make ahead of the Blues’ Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division clash with Lymington Town at the Weyline Stadium tonight (7.45pm).

King’s comment relates to the outstanding performance of a youthful Portland side in their 4-2 loss to Baffins Milton Rovers on Saturday.

Portland are expected to welcome back the experience of centre-back Lewis Whyton plus midfield trio Alex Halloran, Max Buckler and Jamie Symes after missing up to 12 first-team players at the weekend.

However, given the performances of the Blues’ pool of young talent, King felt choosing a starting XI was no foregone conclusion.

He said: “It gives us big decisions because the lads who came in did really well – we should have four back.

“We had a good crowd (on Saturday) and they’ve seen a side go out there that was very unfamiliar to them for a first-team fixture.

“It’s good for us as well because we need to see some of these young lads. They’re going to be the future of the club.

“It’s coming to the end of the season and you don’t want to turn off.

“We’ve got a cup final to look forward to, so people are going to have to start playing for their places.”

On Lymington, King respects the Linnets, who he believes to have strengthened after a shaky opening to the campaign.

He said: “They were struggling at the start of the season and they’ve gone and signed a load of players.

“They didn’t want to get themselves into trouble and they’ve picked up and got some good players. It’ll be tough.”

Portland, who are without a victory in their past three league games, sit fourth while Lymington occupy 14th.