A centre-half for the day, but no longer!

BRIAN Wilson enjoyed playing as a centre-half for the first time in his senior career, but he doesn’t want to make a habit of it!

Colchester United right-back Wilson was required to play virtually the whole of the second half as a centre-half, during last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Rochdale.

The 28-year-old coped quite well in that alien position, alongside another specialist full-back, John White.

But he will be hoping to return to his right-back berth for this Saturday’s trip to Sheffield Wednesday.

“I had played as a centre-back in the youth team at Stoke City, but never in first team football,” revealed Wilson.

“I never dreamt I’d end up playing centre-half when I woke up that morning.

“Matt (Heath) tried to play on, but he knew it wasn’t right.

“We didn’t know what would happen, but the gaffer (John Ward) told me to push in and partner John White.

“But I didn’t know I’d be playing there until after Matt went off,” added Wilson.

Pat Baldwin had failed to start the match at Spotland, due to a toe injury, while Magnus Okuonghae was sent off after just 29 minutes and Heath, the U’s last remaining recognised centre-half, hobbled off with a foot injury after 47 minutes.

Wilson admitted: “The whole back four was full of full-backs!

“John (White) and I did quite well together. We have a good team spirit this season and we all have a good understanding.

“But I’m not too sure about playing there (centre-half) next week!

“Of course if I’m selected to play there, then I’ll play there.

““We will just have to wait and see how Pat and Matt are during the week,” added Wilson.

Okuonghae will be suspended for the trip to Hilllsbrough.

But Ward yesterday took up the option of recalling centre-half Tom Eastman from his loan spell at Crawley Town, as back up for Baldwin or Heath.

Fellow centre-half Tom Aldred, who is yet to be involved with the U’s first team squad, could also come into the equation.