Hartlepool United's makeshift left-back Nicky Deverdics would rather be playing in his more natural berth of central midfield

For despite scoring two wonderful free-kicks in the last two weeks, against both South Shields and Tranmere Rovers, the 29-year-old isn’t satisfied.

That is because the Geordie would rather be playing his football higher up the field, in his more natural berth of central midfield.

An August injury to Blair Adams, who would otherwise be Harrison’s first choice left-sided full-back, meant that Deverdics has deputised in Adam’s absence.

The problem for Deverdics is that he has acquitted himself so well that he looks irremovable from the position.

But after showing his goalscoring exploits in October – something he did on a regular basis when playing in a free role at Dover Athletic two seasons ago – Deverdics is praying that his manager brings Adams back into the side, allowing him to play in his natural position.

“Two goals in two weeks is regular,” he said.

“I need to score more, but I also need to be higher up the pitch.

“Although the gaffer will tell me off for saying that!

“The last 20 minutes [against Tranmere on Tuesday night] I was pushed further forward.

“Blair has fully recovered from his injury so hopefully I will get to play a bit further forward.”

Told that he attacks frequently for a left-back, he quipped: “I always do as I’m not a left back!

“That’s why he plays me there as he knows I’m just going to go.

“He said to me that it gives the team another dimension as I like to go forward.

“But sometimes I find myself in the box and I think ‘that’s a long way back!’”

Deverdics is conscious that he shouldn’t be complaining about playing.

Indeed, despite his highly-rated pedigree when he signed for Pools last summer, he struggled to make an impact in relegation from the Football League, appearing from the start on just 15 occasions, and being shipped back out on loan to Dover for a month in February.

But his 21 league goals from midfield in 88 games for Dover prior to signing for Pools warrants selection in a different position, he believes.

“I had a couple of shots in the first half [on Tuesday] where I would have been in that position if I was a bit further forward,” he said.

“I just started creeping further forward as their winger was creeping further back.

“I got into good positions and saw positions I would have been in if I was in midfield.

“I didn’t score [from those positions], but that’s where I want to be.”

Harrison may tinker with his team for Saturday’s game at Torquay United and play Deverdics in his preferred role.

Either way, though, Deverdics – a seasoned campaigner in the National League – isn’t expecting an easy game against the Gulls, even if they are second bottom.

“We struggled at the start of the season.

“But with the run we are on, we’re looking for three points,” he added.

“Every game is tough in this league and is a different game.

“By no means are we expecting to roll them over. We know it will be a battle but we need three points.”