James Comley is happy to play in defence for St Albans City, as long as they win games.

The 24-year-old has made the switch from centre-midfield to centre-back for the upcoming National League South season after five hugely impressive outings in defence at the tail end of the last campaign.

It’s not an alien position for Comley – he played there when he first broke through at Crystal Palace – but he thinks he can do a much better job in defence this time around.

“At the higher levels, I didn’t have the height or the reading of the game when I was a youngster at Crystal Palace,” he said.

“At this level, I feel like I’m reading the game a lot better and challenging better in the air. I feel fine there. As long as we win games and I can keep clean sheets and add to my bit for the team then I’m fine.

“Whether I’m playing centre-back, right back or wherever, as long as we’re winning then I’m happy.”

The centre-back position is one of the most changed from the start of last season, with Darren Locke the only remaining player. The club lost central defenders Ben Martin, James Kaloczi and Tom Ward in the last 12 months.

With new signing Jack Lampe and promising youngster David Longe-King in the mix, Comley sees a strong group heading into the season opener on August 8 at Gosport Borough.