'I can't see myself going back there really' - Arsenal loanee Ben Sheaf talks increasingly advanced role at Doncaster Rovers

The Arsenal loanee has mainly been deployed as a deeper-lying midfielder since his arrival at the Keepmoat in the summer, despite saying early into his spell that he was more comfortable in defence.

But after finding himself operating increasingly further forward in recent weeks, the 21-year-old says he is enjoying life as a box-to-box midfielder even more.

“It’s been a pretty natural progression really,” he said.

“I said early on that I felt a bit more comfortable playing at centre back before I’ve played there for the last couple of seasons.

“Now I almost can’t see myself going back there. It’s strange.

“I’m really enjoying being a bit further up the pitch. I’ve found myself quite high up this season but also deep at times too.

“It’s just really good learning for me to get that regularity of games and find myself in different situations. You can only learn from that.”

Sheaf has started all but two of Rovers’ League One matches since his arrival in what has been the most intensive period of his young career.

But he feels he had adapted well to the demands of senior football.

“The body is a bit sore, with a few little niggles,” he said.

“If your body can come through it and adapt, it can only stand you in good stead going forward.

“It’s been a tough period, especially over Christmas, but you have to recover well.”