Mellor growing in confidence

NEW ROLE . . . David Mellor is successfully adapting to life as a left-back for Athletic.

VERSATILE defender David Mellor has saluted Athletic boss Lee Johnson for maintaining faith in him.

The 20 year old began the season at the heart of Johnson’s defence, but lately he has been switched to the left and has earned some rave reviews.

Mellor is now up to 23 appearances for the season, and the Athletic youth graduate is clearly enjoying life under boss Johnson.

Mellor said: “Things are going well for me. I have had a run of games now at left-back and I have got used to the position. My confidence is getting up and so is my fitness. Playing in the same position for a number of games is benefiting me. I’ll play anywhere, as long as I am getting games for the team.”

There was disappointment for Mellor on Tuesday following the unfortunate single-goal defeat at Walsall, a loss he felt wasn’t deserved.

The talented youngster, who made his Athletic debut in August 2011, added: “We played very well as a team and kept going right to the end. There were plenty of chances for us and we were unlucky not to take anything from the game. We felt we could have won.

“Port Vale on Saturday is a massive game for us now. If we play as well as we did at Walsall I think we are more than capable of getting a result.”