htafc.com caught up with a determined Jim Goodwin at the Storthes Hall training complex ahead of Town's tough trip to Oldham Athletic this weekend to talk about his new role at full-back.
Manager Stan Ternent surprised many fans by selecting the 26-year old Republic of Ireland at right-back for Town's 3-2 victory over Northampton Town last weekend, but Jim told the Club's official website that he is quite familiar with the task.
"I wasn't really surprised as the Gaffer had spoken to me previously about my positions," Goodwin said of his selection. "He'd seen me play there a few times before, but I hadn't played there for a while before Saturday and so I was trying to get my positional sense back a bit.
"I actually started off as a centre-half at Celtic; the middle person in a back three. My debut for them was at right-back and I played in midfield up there too, so I played in quite a few positions. I then went to Stockport and played at right-back for quite a bit but at Scunthorpe I predominantly played in midfield.
"Hopefully I'll be playing there again on Saturday and I can get a run of games. I quite enjoy it at right-back actually, because all of the play occurs in front of you and we've worked on our shape a lot in training this week, which has been a real help to me."
Despite enjoying his recall to the side, Town's number 11 explained that he was not totally happy with his own performance against the Cobblers.
"I was quite disappointed in myself for Northampton's second goal, as I should have done much better positionally - I got caught ball watching and their left winger came in from behind me. I know I've been credited with an own goal for their opener too, but that was a bit harsh given that it hit me when I was trying to block it!"
Should Jim be selected at full-back against Oldham, he will face the tough task of suppressing livewire winger Chris Taylor on the Latics left; the 21-year old has started the season in fine form and hit a brace against Hartlepool last weekend.
"I'd relish that challenge," Goodwin continued. "Northampton's left winger, Jackman, was more worried about Gary Roberts than coming and attacking me and so I was never really tested but if I am to play right-back on Saturday I know it will be much more of a challenge.
"Taylor has started the season really brightly and having seen him play a few times, I think he's a confidence player; when the team are doing well, he tends to do well. We've got to aim to start the game on top on Saturday and if we do, we can stop their unbeaten run. Oldham are not going to win every game they play in this season - the fact of the matter is that somebody will eventually beat them, so why not us?
"We've all taken a bit of confidence from last Saturday, but we were disappointed to concede two goals. We'll have to look to restrict Oldham as they do score quite a few and they have some good experience up top, so first and foremost we have to aim for a clean sheet. We will create chances and we can score goals, so if we do our job at the back we will probably go on and win the game.
"I love playing in derbies and as a professional footballer, I think you need your head checking if you can't get yourself up for them. All the fans will be right up for it and its games against the likes of Oldham and Leeds that stick out for the players too. I'm obviously not too familiar with Yorkshire-Lancashire clashes, but at the same time I realise that they are important to the fans."
Get your ticket for Oldham this weekend by calling the Galpharm Stadium Ticket Office on 0870 44 44 552!
