Brownhill enjoying wide role

Thursday, September 7th 2017

Josh Brownhill admits he is enjoying the attacking freedom afforded to him by the switch to the right side of midfield.

A central midfielder by trade, Brownhill has been operating on the flank this season – and to great effect.

The 21-year-old scored in the 2-2 draw at Brentford and has provided four assists for his colleagues to date.

Speaking on BCTV, Brownhill said: “I still see myself as a central midfielder, but I can play that right midfield role.

“I really don’t mind either as long as I’m playing. I go out there and do a job for the team and I like to think I’ve been doing it well.

“I’ve got a goal and a few assists, so it’s worked well for me out there. It’s down to the gaffer where he puts me and how he asks me to operate.”

He added: “I did a bit of work on playing the right-sided role at the back end of last season, but not too much. In pre-season we worked on it a bit more.

“It means I can get forward a bit more, there’s a bit of freedom to push on and attack.

“Of course we’ve got tough competition for places; Niclas (Eliasson) can play there, Callum (O’Dowda) can as well and then we’ve signed (Jonathan) Leko from West Brom, who can also play there.

“I’m just pleased to be in the side and that’s where I want to stay.”

WHAT HE SAID

“I’ve got a goal and a few assists, so it’s worked well for me out there. It’s down to the gaffer where he puts me and how he asks me to operate.”

Josh Brownhill

City head to Reading this weekend (Saturday, 3pm) following the international break and after 15 days without a game, Brownhill admits it couldn’t get much tougher.

“They’re a great team and a good footballing team,” he said of the Royals, who were beaten in last season’s Championship play-off final.

“At the same time, they’re beatable as has been seen already. We’re in good form and playing well, so we’re well up for it.”