PLAYING out of position is an occupational hazard for footballers so when they get the chance to play where they prefer it is important to make the most of it.

Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

PLAYING out of position is an occupational hazard for footballers so when they get the chance to play where they prefer it is important to make the most of it.

Alan Quinn is doing just that for Ipswich Town now about being brought in from football's equivalent of Siberia, the left wing, into central midfield.

Quinn said: “I'd play anywhere like to get a game but I like being in the thick of things in central midfield and that's where I want to play and I'm delighted the gaffer's given me a chance in there."

Although he did a decent enough job out left, Quinn accepts he was not ideally suited to the position. He added: “I'm not really going to go by players and cross balls in with my left foot because I'm mainly right footed.

“I'm delighted I'm getting around the pitch and can make tackles and get forward. I enjoy playing in there and getting more involved in the game."

Now he can drive forward through the middle he hopes to get more goals, although he is also happy to weigh in with assists.

He said: “I'm not really one for getting among the goals but if I can make a couple and do a good job for the team in there it's more important."

The former Sheffield United player, who also played at Sheffield Wednesday when Jim Magilton was a player there, has been given the nod ahead of Owen Garvan, David Norris and Veliche Shumulikoski of late, which ahs been pleasing.

Quinn said: “Yeah it was. All of us all season have been in and out. It's just when you get your chance you've got to take it. Good players like Garvs, Shumi and Chuck Norris would get in any Championship side. All I've got to do to stay in the team is keep doing what I've been doing."

Like most players Quinn draws his inspiration from the very best.

He said: “I've always admired Roy Keane and Steven Gerrard. They're the best two midfielders but I just try to play my own game."

Town hopes to be pivotal to Town's midfield at QPR this evening and hopes the three points in midweek against Forest will help them push on today.

He said: “We needed three points to stay in touch. It was a scrappy game but the most important thing was the three points.

“We're only four points off the play-off places. I know we haven't been playing great at home but some of our away performances have been very good.

“When I was watching the game against Blackpool I thought we were just unlucky with the chances we had and Blackpool just came here for a draw.

“Over the two games against Plymouth and Blackpool I reckon we had about 25 chances. With 13 games to go hopefully we can go on a bit of a run."

One of Town's rivals for a top six finish are Sheffield United, where his brother Stephen is playing an influential part.

Quinn said: “Stephen is doing really well to be fair. We look out for each other but we've always been that four points off them and it's starting to annoy me now. He's doing really well and fair play to him, I think he's the only player to have played every game for Sheffield United this season

“Going to Bramall Lane is one that I've just been speaking to my dad about because he's coming over for that game so hopefully I'm playing in that game.

“The family came to Ipswich and they're going to do the exact same for the Sheffield United game and I'm looking forward to it."

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk