City midfielder Adam Barton has praised the form of Conor Thomas and John Fleck this season...
Coventry City midfielder Adam Barton has praised the form of Conor Thomas and John Fleck, the two players who have kept him out of the first team.
The 22-year old played a full 90 minutes against AFC Wimbledon on Friday in the FA Cup first round in place of the suspended John Fleck.
Despite going behind, the Sky Blues produced a strong second half performance to guarantee their passage to the second round where they will travel to League Two side Hartlepool United.
It is the first time this season Barton has been able to play in central midfield and he hopes he took the opportunity well.
The City midfielder said: "It was good to get back in central midfield rather than on the wing. It is my natural position so I always feel more comfortable playing there.
"I have got it in my system where I like to go and collect the ball from the centre-halves. That is just the way I have been brought up and the way I like to play the game.
"Things are changing here so I have to change as well. The gaffer has taught me a lot of things, especially off-the-ball, and I had to show a different side to my game against Wimbledon, getting close to their players and doing a job for the team.
"The gaffer was happy with the standard I played to and that's great. There is a still a lot of work which needs doing but I am working hard."
With the form midfield duo Conor Thomas and John Fleck have displayed this season, the former PNE man has struggled to come by first team opportunities.
Despite the lack of game-time in central midfield, Barton has insisted he 'can't complain' and praised the duo's form this season.
He added: "I've had a conversation with the manager about it and it has all been positive. I can't complain really. The team are doing really well and both Conor (Thomas) and John (Fleck) have been major parts of the side.
"If I was in the team and it was doing really well, I'd be annoyed if I was left out. So understand the manager and I understand his selection.
"It was nice to get a run-out in central midfield against Wimbledon. It probably takes a couple of games to get going but I'd like to think I did a good job for the team tonight.
"I did get another chance to volley it home like I did for the Under-21s a few weeks back but I didn't quite get hold of it. It was on my weaker foot but even though I missed, I'll still try next time."