Andis still handy in defence

German striker Andis Shala is still declaring himself happy to play at the back if required when the new Scottish Premier League campaign gets underway next month.

The 21-year-old has been busily filling the void in the middle of defence during pre-season as the Arabs are currently short of numbers in that area. He completed another twenty-minute stint at the weekend in the 1-1 draw at Glentoran and is more than happy to retain the role.

"I think it`s Garry Kenneth, Darren Dods, me and Sean Dillon that can play at centre-half now, so, if the manager signs another one, it`ll be good for competition," Shala told the Evening Telegraph.

"But, if not, I think a few more games and I`ll definitely be ready to play there in the SPL," he continued. "I really enjoy playing there and having the pitch out in front of me. It`s a different way to look at the game — especially when you`re used to playing as a striker. The movements are very different.

"I know all the movements a striker would make, though, which is good for me. I can tell what they`re about to do."

But the recent arrival of trialist Lithuanian international Irmantas Zelmikas could still ease the problem at the back and force Shala back into more familiar territory in the coming weeks.

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