JONNY HOWSON admits he is learning the ropes as a central defender – but Middlesbrough’s Mr Versatile claims he could not have a better tutor for the role.

Having already played at central midfield, right-back and right wing-back this season, Howson has found himself lining up as one of three centre-halves recently in the absence of the injured Ryan Shotton and George Friend.

He played as part of a back three in last week’s crucial home win over Barnsley, but found himself moved back to the flank as Boro crashed to a 4-0 defeat at one of his former clubs, Leeds United, at the weekend.

It remains to be seen where he is stationed when the Teessiders return to action against Charlton in two days’ time, but if he is restored to the heart of defence, he insists he will not be fazed.

He is gradually getting his head around the demands of playing at centre-half, thanks in no small measure to the tutelage and support of his head coach, Jonathan Woodgate, who was one of the finest central defenders to pull on an England shirt in the last two decades.

“There’s possibly nobody better to learn from to give me tips and ideas and help me out than the manager,” said Howson, who is one of a number of Boro players in the final year of their current deal. “First and foremost, it’s great to have him there telling me and helping me out. You 100 per cent trust him because he’s been there and done it at the highest level.

“I’ve said to him, I don’t mind where I play. I’ll do whatever is asked of me, as I’ve done throughout my career. I’ll give it my best shot, if it’s enough great, if not I’ll have tried my best.”

Prior to the last couple of seasons, Howson had spent just about all of his career at the heart of midfield.

Tony Pulis toyed with the idea of playing him as a defender, but it was only really when Woodgate arrived at the start of pre-season that his new career in the backline was properly mapped out.

Woodgate sees Howson’s comfort in possession as a major plus when he is stationed in a defensive role, and the 31-year-old’s delivery from the right-hand side has been a key feature in Boro’s attacking play this season.

There is an argument that the midfield is weakened by his absence, particularly when it comes to making box-to-box runs, but with the Teessiders just one point above the relegation zone ahead of the weekend’s games, Howson accepts there is a need to shelve any personal preferences for the good of the team.

“I enjoyed playing there (at centre-half) last Wednesday night because we won,” he said. “I remember when the manager first asked me in the summer to play right-back - I don’t look at it as though I’m not used to playing in my position, I just look at it as a different challenge. I’ll go and see if I can do it.

“A little motto I’ve gone by throughout my career is I’d prefer to give something a go and fail than think what if. This is the same situation.

“It’s a new challenge to play in a new position. If somebody had said three or four months ago, I’d be playing there, I’d have said no chance. But it’s part and parcel of football, you get new challenges, bring them on.”

* A new independent Middlesbrough supporters’ group has been created. Boro Supporters’ Club 2020 is open to all Boro fans, with monthly meetings scheduled to take place at the Riverside Stadium throughout the season.

Membership costs £6 for adults and £2 for Under-16s – for further information, Email borosc2020@btinternet.com.