LIAM Davis has enjoyed playing in a more attacking position in recent games, although he admits it can be difficult shaking off a defensive mentality.

The 26-year-old has been used solely as a left back since joining Oxford United last season.

But injuries to several strikers have seen Davis pushed into left midfield this month, filling in for Sean Rigg, who has been used as a second striker.

Davis played in the role earlier in his career at Northampton Town.

While operating in a more attacking position has been welcomed, old habits die hard for the former Coventry City trainee.

He said: “I’ve just got to get used to playing higher up because obviously I haven’t played there for such a long time, so at the back of my head I’m still a left back.

“Sometimes you’re thinking defensively, so you have to change your frame of mind.

“As a left back you can get forward, but as a left winger you’re in the middle of the pitch going forwards and backwards.

“There are different runs to make so you have to channel your mind into thinking another way.”

Davis only made his first appearance of the season last month after being kept out by a long-term groin injury.

As with other players who missed the all-important pre-season, getting back to full fitness is not an easy process.

Davis was substituted early in the second half in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Aldershot Town and believes it will take several more weeks before he is back to 100 per cent.

“I ran out of steam,” he said.

“Even in the first half I felt a little bit tired.

“For me it’s been very tough because I haven’t played properly in six months and in that time I’ve had two operations, I’ve not had a pre-season so there’s a lot of catch-up for me to do.

“I am making progress, fitness-wise. I’m still not where I want to be at the minute, but with more games and training it’s going to come.

“I would say in another few weeks I’ll get some games under my belt and then I’ll start feeling a lot sharper.”