Paul Anderson admits Town’s success this season has compensated for his own lack of game time.

Signed from relegated Bristol City in a summer swap deal that took Jay Emmanuel-Thomas in the opposite direction, Anderson has started exactly half the 24 league fixtures and appeared as a substitute in a further four.

He said: “It has been a little bit frustrating but we’ve put in good squad performances and we’ve had a great run. Obviously, we’re all in it together to get the results and we’ve been getting them.

“We’re in a great position so while it has been frustrating on a personal level I’m also happy that we have been doing so well in the league.”

Anderson agrees it is difficult to go knocking on the manager’s door when things are going as well as they have been in recent weeks.

He added: “Of course it is and the lads have been doing really well. It’s not as if anyone has been playing badly and I can go to the gaffer and ask for a chance.

"It is frustrating but we’re all in it together. There’s a great squad feel around the place and we’re all just happy to be in the position we are right now.

“The manager has spoken to me on several occasions — on the training ground and elsewhere — and told me not to get frustrated. He has said ‘You’ve been fantastic for me, just keep doing what you’ve been doing’.

“Unfortunately, some of the formations we have been playing haven’t suited me quite as much and he just says I’ve been a little bit unlucky not to be on the team sheet because of that.

“I’d love the opportunity to play up top in a 4-3-3 formation. It would mean a less defensive role, which would be nice, but the lads have been doing so well, the manager is picking the team he believes is best, we’ve been getting the results and we’re in the top six, which is what we’ve always been aiming for since the start of the season.

“I think I’ve slowly, slowly got into it myself. It’s always difficult when you come to a new place, bonding in with the rest of the lads and learning the new style of play that the manager wants to play.

“I’ve never played such a narrow role before — he’s asking me to do a different job — but I feel like I’ve learned it quite well. I’m still learning a little bit and I feel like I’m getting closer and closer to being at my best.”

Photo: Action Images

thebeat added 09:22 - Jan 10 Played too many games as it is in my opinion. Edwards and Taylor are far better options in a 4-4-2. The narrow role thing is just an excuse even when he's hugged the touchline on the odd occasion he's been incapable of beating his man and getting a cross in. Cue the minus brigade sheep who love everybody who pulls the shirt on even if they are pants.
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Garv added 09:59 - Jan 10 Dissapointing Mick is too cautious to let Anderson roam free on the wing, but it's still not obvious if he has any real quality. Prefer Taylor and even Edwards.
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tractorboydan added 10:05 - Jan 10 I'll start off the minus brigade then! ;-) Personally I think he's played the role he's been givenwell. He may not have set the world alight which is unfortunate, but he's not played badly. For me he was the MOTM against Charlton on New Year's day - very hard working, a good few efforts on goal and put himself about - hopefully we see more of that side of his game going forwards.

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thebeat added 20:27 - Jan 10 If you think he's not played badly you must be blind. Might aswell play with 10 men. League 1 player at best. Not heard one person at any game this season who thinks hes any good. Look at the results with him in the team compared to out the team
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