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ANDY Halliday admits he is still wearing L-plates as a left back but says he’s learning fast and eager to pass his test.

Halliday arrived from Livingstone as a young left winger under Gordon Strachan but has struggled to make a breakthrough in that position.

But he has been working hard in training to rebrand himself as a full-back and impressed in that role in Boro’s 3-0 midweek win over Huddersfield.

He was solid and disciplined at the back and caught the eye with surging over-lapping runs down the left flank to stake a claim for the slot while first choice George Friend is out sidelined with a hamstring.

But he admits, he is just starting to come to terms with his daunting new challenge.

“I still have a lot to learn but yes, I am starting to think of myself as a full-back now,” said hard-working Halliday.

“The change in role is down to Tony Mowbray,” he explained.

“I had a conversation with the gaffer in the summer and he told me he saw things in my game every day in training that showed I had defensive instincts and qualities.

“But he said I also had the pace and mentality to get forward, to beat a man and to cross. He said he thought I had what it takes to be a decent full-back.

“We didn’t have any real cover for Joe Bennett at the time and he asked if I fancied trying out there. Of course I just want to play and I’ll play anywhere for the team so I said yes.

“But I’ve had to work hard at it, I’ve had to learn how to play and think differently.

“But in modern football full-backs are one of the most attacking outlets for a side and I'm quite excited by that.

“Just look at the likes of Ashley Cole, Patrice Evra and Raphael, how they play, how they get forward. That is really positive and I have to learn from that.

“Now I find when I watch Match of the Day and games on TV I’m looking at the full-backs and how they play.

“I'm doing OK but I know there is more to come.

“I’m learning every day. I’m getting better.”

Halliday got plenty of practice in the role in pre-season as Bennett was injured and he was called in to play at left-back.

He won rave reviews and hoped to get a chance but then he ran into an obstacle: new signing George Friend.

“I did well in pre-season, I was enjoying it and playing well and was just starting to get to grips with it - then George came in,” he laughed.

“That was a bit of a problem. In fairness I can’t say I should be ahead of him. No way.

“He’s been outstanding and I know I have massive boots to fill. And I have real competition.

“Stuart Parnaby and Justin Hoyte can both play at left back and they are both good players so I know it won’t be easy for me but I’ll keep working and pushing my case.”

He certainly did that as he started his first league game at full-back in the Huddersfield clash and earned plaudits for his creative zip.

“It was a big test for me but I thought I did well,” he said.

“The gaffer told me to remember I was a defender but to get involved and be positive and I think I did that. I made a few ‘George Friend’ runs. I tried to make things happen.

“I was buzzing just to play. It was brilliant to be in the team and I just hope I did myself justice. I think I did.

“I hope I have put down a marker now and made the manager think a bit.

“When you have had a taste of the first team you can’t wait for more. I hope I get another chance soon. I’m ready.”