Nigel Reo-Coker happy to fill in at right-back

Apr 4 2008 By Bill Howell

NIGEL REO-Coker insists he would be happy to fill in again at right-back should Martin O'Neill decide to prolong the experiment.

But the £8million summer signing says he is not looking to make a move permanently into defence.

Reo-Coker played at Old Traf-ford in the alien position and won plaudits from his manager for the way he acquitted himself.

"I'm a central midfield player and that's where I play," he said. "But the manager asked me to do a job for the team and there was no-one else he wanted to play there. Of course I said I would do it.

"First and foremost I am a central midfield player not a right-back and I'm not looking to change my role within the side.

"But it was needed at the time and I did my bit for the team.

"I was asked to do a job and I did it. The role I've been asked to play this season has made me more versatile. I've learned a great deal this season."

Reo-Coker insists he is far from happy with his own current form.

He added: "For me it's been frustrating because I know there's a lot more to come from Nigel Reo-Coker.

"The fans know I can do a lot more from when I used to come here with West Ham.

"Ideally, I would love to have that freedom to go out there and express myself. But the manager is in charge and he knows what he's doing. He's asked me to go out and do a job this season.

"I've done it to the best of my abilities and overall we've had a great season so far.

"It's important now that we finish it off as a great season by winning these last few matches."