Coventry City's versatile defender Martin Cranie has spoken about his frustration at being continually played out of position and his desire to prove his worth to the club by playing in his preferred role as a centre half.
Cranie has been played by both previous manager Chris Coleman and current incumbent Aidy Boothroyd as a full back, most recently in the problem position of left back.
The 24 year old, who joined Coventry City 18 months ago from Portsmouth, was an early replacement for the injured James McPake at Barnsley last Monday and went on as a replacement on the left wing.
Richard Wood was filling in at left back, but as he was struggling to cope with Barnsley winger Keiran Trippier, City boss Boothroyd switched Cranie to left back and moved Wood into the middle of the defence during the half time team talk.
Boothroyd now has a dilemma prior to the FA Cup home game against Crystal Palace next Saturday as to which player he prefers to play in the centre, Cranie or Wood, but Cranie is keen to start playing in his preferred position at centre half.
He said to the CT: "I haven't played for a few weeks and have just been working hard in training to try to get back into the team."
" It was unlucky for James who got injured on Monday so I got on and it was a disappointing result in the end, but it was good for me to go on at centre half which is where I feel comfortable because I like to get on the ball and play, but it was the gaffer's decision to change it at half time because maybe their wingers were getting a bit of joy but I think we limited them to long range efforts, their goal and maybe a chance through the middle, but I don't think they had too much."
Ironically Cranie lost his place as left back when City suffered defeat at Crystal Palace in November and it has taken until now to win back a place in the side.
"I was at left wing last week but obviously I want to be challenging at centre half but as I have said before, I just want to play and will play wherever the manager wants me to be honest, but it would be nice to be challenging for the centre back spot."
"It was disappointing to be taken out of left back because I tried my hardest, as I do every week, but the position is difficult for me, although I got used to it after a while. I think there were a few games where maybe I didn't play that well and he put Woody in and they kept three clean sheets in a row, which is obviously brilliant for the team."
"I have been out of the side since December but I got a game this week and hopefully that will put me in good stead for the next game because I want to get back in as soon as possible."
Cranie thinks the break from league football will be good for the side that has seen a dramatic dip in fortune recently picking up just two points in the last six games.
"I think it will be good to get a break and maybe a little cup run will do us good," he said.
"The last five games have been very disappointing and it is not through lack of effort. We just need a break in front of goal. The lads are working really hard in training and getting chances but they are just not going for us."
"We have got the FA Cup on Saturday and I don't know whether the manager will change things around a bit. But we just need a good performance and win under our belts and I am sure we will get going again."