Mikele Takes One For The Team

Utility player Mikele Leigertwood has indicated that while he isn't starting in his favoured position, he is just happy to be playing.

Leigertwood was one of three players to be sidelined with swine flu, with Peter Ramage and Radek Cerny also sidelined for a brief period at the start of the season.

Upon his return to the side he has had to contend with loanee Ben Watson, the resurgence of Gavin Mahon and the useful performances of Alejandro Faurlín in the middle of the park.

This has seen Mikele switch to a more defensive role at right full-back, a position where he has impressed in the past under caretaker boss Gareth Ainsworth.

While Mikele admits it isn't his favoured position he is just happy to be part of the line-up following a spell on the sidelines.

Leigertwood told the Ealing Gazette: 'The manager wants me to play there and I've got to admit I was a bit against it.

'I played there a few times last season and I prefer to play in the centre of midfield.'

Leigertwood has managed 15 appearances this season, scoring two goals from his full-back berth against Nottingham Forest and Barnsley.

He is happy to feature in this position, and he revealed that it is a role he is familiar with during spells at previous clubs.

'I just want to do a good job for the team, wherever I'm selected' he continued.

'If that's right back, centre mid or in goal, I'll do it. I played there before for Palace and Wimbledon when I was young and I'm quite used to it.

'The main thing is to be playing again. I've missed out on a few good performances and results.'

Mikele is set to retain his place at full back this weekend at the expense of Peter Ramage, while Gavin Mahon could return to the heart of midfield at Hillsborough.




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