Tabb After Central Reservation
Friday, 7th Feb 2014 13:55

Town midfielder Jay Tabb admits he prefers a central role to operating in a wide position on either flank.

Tabb, who has played his way back into manager Mick McCarthy’s starting line-up over the last two games, said: “I’ve been a pro for 13 years so I know everything that happens in football.

"You can find yourself out of the team for two months and then, all of a sudden there’s an injury or someone gets sold or goes on loan and you are back in the team.

“Before I came here on loan last year I hadn’t played left-wing for four years I think. I played against Wolves when the manager was there and I played on the right and the left and did quite well.

“He’d seen me as being more of a winger and I don’t mind playing out there but I like to be one of three in midfield. I think that suits me, playing with one holder and I can play on either side of him.

“I really like that position but I was on the left wing at Leeds and I think I did quite well. It’s quite a hard position and obviously I’m not a tricky, fast winger so I have to kind of do a certain job out there. But centre mid or left wing, I’m happy with either.”

With on-loan Manchester United midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe no longer available after a deadline-day move to Fulham and Luke Hyam absent through injury, Tabb found himself alongside another ex-Reading player, Stephen Hunt, in the 1-0 home win over Bolton last week.

He added: “Me and Hunty are really good mates and we get on well. Most of the time we have been fighting for each other’s position but that’s the way football goes and you just have to get on with it.

“Last week TC said to us ‘You two are going to be in there. Make sure you get in their faces and don’t give them a minute’s rest’. First half we weren’t that good but in the second I thought we did really well.

“When Skusey went off we had to rotate a bit and Woody came on and did really well and then Frazer as well. It just goes to show how you need a squad because we had five different players playing in midfield in that game.”

Photo: Action Images

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