Ante Crnac is not a winger, but he's still doing well in a difficult position for Norwich City.
That's the verdict from Canaries legend Darren Eadie, whose impressive wide play earned him seven England under-21 caps and fan favourite status at Carrow Road.
Summer arrival Crnac is being asked to play a similar role while Josh Sargent stars in his preferred central position, and has seen a mixed start to life in yellow and green.
Eadie has sympathy with the Croat as he gets to grips with life in the Championship, even if he is still learning on the job.
"At the moment I don't think he's an out-and-out right-winger," the 49-year-old said of Crnac. "I think he's a centre-forward, a 'number nine', but he's not going to get Josh Sargent out of the team or take his place, because he's done incredibly well.
"He's still a young lad and he's still learning, so I think it's a case of him being able to do a job. He's adding another string to his bow, and he's doing a decent enough job of it.
"I don't think that will be where he ends up, I think he'll end up more as a centre-forward. So, yes, it's a bit of an anomaly at the moment, but he's certainly doing enough of a job for the team.
"That's credit to him. He wants to learn, he wants to get better, he's never complained, and he's improving every single game in that position. Being the one who's creating and crossing balls is very different from being a natural 'nine'.
"He's done a great job, but I've played that position, I know what it's like, and he's not a winger."
Pushing for a starting berth behind Crnac is Liverpool loanee Kaide Gordon, who's made a number of encouraging cameos and got off the mark before his temporary team-mate.
Eadie says that competition is good news for Norwich, as head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup feels the benefits of increased squad depth.
"His fitness wasn't quite there when he arrived, so it takes a bit of time to get up to speed," the Leiston boss told the Pink Un of Gordon. "But he scored a goal and that's vitally important, to get off the mark and feel part of the football club while you're here.
"He's had a decent enough start and he'll be hungry for more. He's given the manager a headache, which is what any manager wants. As much as they don't like them, it's good to have players who are in form and knocking on the door."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel