Mark Bower takes it as a

personal triumph to see the back of an opposing winger.

City's consistent central defender has added an extra string to his bow at left back.

And one of the perks is

seeing the wide man he is up against being substituted - a sure sign that Bower has won his personal battle of wits.

He said: "When you play against centre forwards, a lot of the time they get changed whether they've played well or not. If a winger comes off, it's because he's not done the job.

"It has happened a few times so far and I always see that as a moral victory because he's not got the better of me."

Bower has been a revelation in his new role since the in-form Damion Stewart earned a spot in the middle of the back four.

But it is not a completely alien position for City's reigning player of the year. He came off the bench at Norwich eight years ago to make his debut as a left back and played there again in his first full game against Bury.

"I've also done it occasionally in the reserves and youth team," he said, "but I've never played there for such a long spell at this level.

"I'm learning the position but I'm still a defender and the principles are pretty similar. This just gives me the chance to push forward and get on the ball a bit more.

"When you're playing centre half, the only thing on your mind is clearing the danger. At left back there's maybe a bit more to think about because you have to use the ball better."

Colin Todd insists Bower's long-term future remains in the centre. But he has been impressed with how well he has adapted.

Todd said: "It's probably refreshed him a bit to have that little bit of scope. He's doing a good job for us."

While still learning the ropes, Bower has not been afraid to join the attack and overlap - and has shown a good eye for a cross.

"It does feel a little bit strange going over the halfway line. But the first time I did it against Swindon and put a cross in, I suddenly wanted to do it all the time!

"But the likes of Bobby Petta, Owen Morrison and Ben Muirhead are quite attack-minded wingers so most of the time I'll give the ball to them and let them produce."