CRAIG Lindfield admits his first career experience as a full back was not a happy one, but even a move back into defence has not deterred the striker in his desire to come to an agreement over a new deal at Accrington Stanley.

Lindfield spent his early days at the Crown Ground as a centre forward but, after a switch to right midfield, the 23-year-old has started the last five games at right back after an injury crisis in defence.

But the former Liverpool youngster says even in an unfamiliar role he is still thoroughly enjoying life with Stanley, despite being less than pleased when asked to fill that position during a loan spell at Bournemouth under the management of Jimmy Quinn.

“I’d played there a few times before,” Lindfield said ahead of today’s home game against Shrewsbury. “When I was at Bournemouth the manager got sacked and the new manager brought his own players in.

“I was on loan from Liverpool at the time and I ended up playing in the reserves, and for some reason they played me at right back in the reserves! I wasn’t very happy.

“But I’ve enjoyed it here. It has been a different position but the gaffer likes his full backs at the club to get forward a lot. To be honest I’m just happy that I’m playing again. I think I’ve started something like 27 games this season and compared to last year that’s brilliant.

“I just want to play as many games as I can, whether it’s right back, right midfield or up front, it doesn’t really bother me because I feel like I can do a job well in the positions I get asked to play.”

Lindfield started only two league games last season, making the Reds’ run to the play-offs a bittersweet campaign for him.

“I had a bit of a tough time, I had a few niggles, a few injuries,” he said.

“I had a bit of trouble with my knee last year but I had an injection in it this year and it seems to have cleared it up.

“It was tough to sit on the sidelines and watch but you can’t really complain when the team is doing well, you can’t really go and knock on the manager’s door and say, ‘Why am I not playing?’.

“I made a few appearances coming on as a sub but it’s nicer to have more of a key role this year. I’m a lot more positive about staying here next season and hopefully kicking on again.

“It’s a good club to be at. If we can keep the core of the team together I think we’ll have a solid season again next year.”

And Lindfield has already been informed by manager Paul Cook that he is in the club’s plans for next season, with terms now being discussed over a new deal.

“We’ve had a few talks, I think most of the lads have had a chat now,” he said.

“There’s nothing solid but I think the manager wants me to stay and hopefully we can come to an agreement.”