Followers of reserve team football will have noticed that there has been a change of role for Academy starlet Mark Little.

  The 17-year-old Worcester born defender has switched from his usual full-back role to a more central position in the last three reserve fixtures.

  Coach Terry Connor explained: "It's all part of furthering Mark's education. With Jackie McNamara coming in at right-back in the reserves after his long term lay-off, we decided to give Mark a try at centre-back rather than have him sat on the bench.

  "It will give him the chance to appreciate the different role as well as improving his defensive work. He will learn a bit more about what the full-back expects from a central defender.

  "Two major areas that we are working on with him are concentration in defence, and distribution when in possession. I think the temporary switch will be of a tremendous benefit to him."

  Mark admitted: "It's very different to what I'm used to. Playing in the middle means you are 100 per cent defensive rather than getting forwards like you do in the full-back position.

  "You have to concentrate all the time and it's hard but I know it will help me in the future."

  Mark has been called up to the England under 18s squad for the game against Slovenia at Bournemouth on Easter Monday. He made his debut at the level last November in Turkey and is very much looking forward to being involved again.

  "If I play it will be my second game for England," he said. "This has been a great season for me playing for my country, signing a new contract, being a regular in the reserves and being involved with the first team.

  "The icing on the cake will be breaking through into the senior squad. But I know I've got to be patient and keep working on my game and playing as a centre-half is all part of that."