Clapham wants midfield role

Jamie Clapham insisted he was not upset about losing his place at left-back to Marcos Painter – and he wants to be regarded as a midfielder by Birmingham boss Steve Bruce.

Clapham had to be content with a substitute role against Fulham on Saturday with Painter impressing on his Barclays Premiership debut.

Clapham has been used primarily at left-back since he made the move from Ipswich Town three years ago but wants to operate in midfield if at all possible.

Clapham said: “I am not a defender. I signed for Birmingham three years ago as a midfielder and that’s where I want to play.

“I can do the defensive side of things for the team but I also believe I can create chances as well.

“I wasn’t surprised that Marcos was picked because he’s a very good player.

“He’s done a great job at left-back although I think he is predominantly a centre-half.

“He’s a very good young professional and you could see his attributes against Fulham. He deserved his place in the team.”

Painter admitted: “It was a fantastic experience for me to make my Premiership debut. I’m still on a high, especially as we got the result we needed.

“I don’t know what the manager is going to do in the next game, I hope he will stick with me.

“When I knew I was playing on Saturday, I knew how important the game was and that might have put extra pressure on me but I just went out there and tried to play my normal game.”