ANDY Halliday has shot down the stereotype that wingers don’t like to get stuck in.

But then City’s on-loan Middlesbrough midfielder has the perfect explanation.

“I’m Scottish,” he laughs. “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone from Scotland who can’t tackle!”

Halliday’s versatility has come in useful for Phil Parkinson in recent weeks.

He was switched to central midfield for a couple of games, and did a fine spoiling job on Preston with Jason Kennedy, and then returned to the wing early on against Gillingham after Filipe Moraise’s unscheduled exit.

Halliday has claimed assists in the last two games, providing the corner for Rory McArdle to head the opener at Deepdale and then the cross which Gills defender Leon Legge diverted into his own net.

He is not the rookie in the middle that some may believe and is happy to switch between the roles.

He said: “For the last three or four years, nobody has really known what my (best) position is. It’s just different opinions.

“To be honest, I’m happy to play anywhere as long as I’m on that pitch.

“I’ve played quite a few games in the middle before for Blackpool, although that was in a three (man midfield).

“It’s a bit different with two in there but I’ve enjoyed it so far. It’s always easier when you’ve got an experienced player like JK or Lidds (Gary Liddle) next to you.

“They are both very solid and aren’t going to make mistakes. They can bring different things to the game.

“We try to play good football but there’s also a lot of grit and determination. You need to be hard to break down.”

Halliday is enjoying a regular run of football again after extending his loan until January. Middlesbrough also allowed him to feature for City in the FA Cup.

But with his contract up at the end of the season, the 23-year-old is not looking beyond the short term.

Halliday added: “Middlesbrough have been excellent with me since I came back from injury. They understood my needs and understood what I had to do to get my season back on track.

“Maybe it needed a phone call about the FA Cup. I wouldn’t say I was exactly begging but some please and thank you’s went a long way.

“I’m delighted they’ve allowed me to stay longer because it’s brilliant playing competitive football again. When I first came back, I needed to play in the under-21s but it’s not what you want to be doing.

“I’m certainly not bitter. I’m really happy to see Middlesbrough do well and it was going to be hard for me to come back and get in the team with the way they’re playing.

“As far as long term goals go, whatever happens happens. It’s working out well and I’ve no complaints at all.

“My thoughts are the same as when I first came. I’ll take it game by game and most importantly try to play well as an individual and as a team.”

Halliday, who made his debut in City’s battling draw at leaders Bristol City, is still to taste a Valley Parade victory. He admits they need to kick on at home.

“The performances have been good and we’ve given ourselves a solid platform. It’s the perfect time to get the ball rolling.

“But talk is cheap, we all know that. We’ve got to go out there and carry it out.”