Stan Lazaridis has vowed to 'do a Dion Dublin' to prolong his Birmingham City career. The Aussie Winger has spent the last five years at St. Andrew's terrorising opposition full backs. But it is now a case of poacher turned gamekeeper as the 31-year-old has spent the festive period at left back and, according to his boss Steve Bruce, was the team's best player over Christmas. The Socceroo averted a potential crisis for Bruce as both Jamie Clapham and Martin Grainger - the two recognised left backs at the club - were on the injury list. So, in a surprise move, Lazaridis dropped back and has reaped the benefits. However, it isn't the first time that Lazaridis has played at left back, as he has been producing the goods for his country there on over 40 occasions and none more so than during their historic 3-1 triumph against England at Upton Park last February. Ian Clarkson spoke to Lazaridis about his change of role and what benefits it could bring to his career.
Q:IT WAS A REAL SURPRISE SEEING YOU PLAY AT LEFT BACK FOR BIRMINGHAM OVER THE FESTIVE PERIOD. WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND THAT?
A:It might have been a surprise for the Blues fans because they have seen me play as an out-and-out winger for the last five years. I suppose in their eyes it is the equivalent of Christophe Dugarry playing at centre half, but I have played around 40 times there for Australia and understand the position.
Q:IT WASN'T SOMETHING THAT THE MANAGER HAD CONSIDERED BEFORE THOUGH WAS IT?
A:We were always joking about it on the training ground, but Dion Dublin has dropped back to centre half for Villa this season and the move doesn't seem to have done his career any harm does it?
Q:WAS IT DOWN TO CIRCUMSTANCE MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU WERE GIVEN THIS OPPORTUNITY?
A:Jamie Clapham was the only player in the whole of the Premiership not to have missed a minute's football until he pulled a hamstring in training. The gaffer had no other options really so we went through a few things on the training ground and I have been pleased with how it has gone. We had the same sort of mini-crisis about 18 months ago because of injury and maybe I should have said something then.
Q:DO YOU LIKE THE NEW ROLE?
A:I am not sure what the boss has in store for me, but I am more than happy to play at left back. Playing there could well add longevity to my career and maybe keep it going for another four or five years. As a winger you need to rely on bursts of speed and you get through a lot of work tracking up and down. As the years go by it certainly doesn't get any easier so that may well be an option in the future.
Q:HOW MUCH HAVE THE OTHER DEFENDERS HELPED YOU?
A:Your job can be made far easier by the centre halves and in Kenny Cunningham and Matt Upson we have two of the most reliable in the division. It enables me to go forward with confidence, as I know that there will always be cover there. They are always giving you good information and that does half the work for you. I am quite happy playing there, but as long as I can get a shirt then I don't mind where I play.
Q:WHAT IS YOUR VERDICT ON HOW THE CAMPAIGN HAS GONE SO FAR?
A:If you asked most people where they thought we would be at this stage of the season then we are probably above average. We had a little sticky spell recently where we weren't picking up many results but 26 points from 18 games isn't bad.
Q:SO WHAT'S THE TARGET NOW?
A:The aim for us is to perform as well in the second half of the season as we have done so far. That's what we will be striving to do and from my own personal point of view I will try to keep my form going as I have been fairly pleased with how it has gone so far.
