Jonathan Spector might be a defender by trade but the promising 21-year-old is eager to make the most of the midfield opportunities should more come his way.
After playing his part in the midweek cup victory against Coventry City - a substitutes' display that left Lee Bowyer claiming he did "exceptionally well" - Spector made another notable second-half showing in the 1-1 draw with Bolton Wanderers. Chief among his contributions in the tense closing stages were a great track back and tackle on a breaking Gavin McCann and a clearance off the line from El Hadj Diouf.
"I am playing a bit out of position but to be honest I did enjoy playing in the centre of the midfield," said Spector, who came on in the 50th minute in a holding role for Hayden Mullins. "Overall the team worked really hard," he added. "Bolton are a really tough team to play against considering their style of play.
"We didn't give them too many opportunities. The last ten minutes they put a lot of pressure on us and were just hoofing the ball forward but it obviously worked well for them. They got the draw they were looking for so we are all really disappointed. We were really looking forward to a win."
As for the praise from Bowyer, Spector added: "They are nice words coming from someone like Lee who has been there and done it. All I am doing is working hard and trying to fill a role in the team and fortunately it worked for the most part. I am delighted to be playing anywhere on the pitch."
With Mullins nursing an ankle knock and Mark Noble missing out entirely against Bolton, there is every chance that Spector may get another chance away to Derby County next Saturday - although Freddie Ljungberg could be back in full training this week. "It would be good to get a win there," he said. "This has been a tough week for us. Three games for us in a week and not a lot of rest. It was a difficult week but now we have got time to prepare. We are going to be playing for a win and I know we can do it."