Doncaster Rovers: Returning Luke McCullough sees a future further up the pitch

Signed as a centre half from Manchester United in 2013, McCullough has evolved into a defensive midfield role – via an ill-fated spell at right back under Paul Dickov.

“I probably see myself more as a midfielder now to be honest,” the 23-year-old told The Star.

“I’ve enjoyed playing there. I like being in the thick of it more and getting up against people.

“Whereas you have to sit back a bit more playing at the back.

“You do have to look at the game a bit differently and study the game a little bit.

“The manager has been good at helping me, and Gavin Strachan as well, giving me pointers.

“Obviously the more you play there, the more you get it. But I feel natural enough in there and I think I can play there.”

McCullough will make his first appearance of the season in a matchday squad after being kept out so far by a knee injury and related issues.

It has been a difficult couple of seasons for the Northern Ireland international who missed the majority of last term with a cruciate ligament injury.

Now back and available, McCullough wants to ensure he remains that way in the long term.

He said: “I don’t want to break down again.

“I’m back training now but I still won’t feel happy until I’ve played a lot of games and that’s when I’ll feel right.”

After playing the full 90 minutes of a behind-closed-doors friendly against Lincoln City last weekend, McCullough is in contention to start Saturday’s trip to Portsmouth.

He may be deployed in a back three with at least one of the two new loan signings, Andy Boyle and Tom Anderson.