FABIEN Robert is happy to play whatever role he is asked by Town boss Martin Ling.

Robert, who joined Swindon Town in the summer after an injury-plagued couple of seasons with Lorient in France, was a favourite of former boss Mark Cooper.

Under the new man the Frenchman has had to fight for his place, but has now started in both of Town’s last two games and impressed in good wins.

Since arriving in Wiltshire Robert has played at wing-back, in the front three and the midfield three, but admits his preferred position is behind the striker in a number 10 role.

He has seen success when deployed there, but with arrival of Ben Gladwin opportunities in that position have been limited. Now he has found a spot in Ling’s new diamond and seems happy with what he is being asked to do.

“Of course (there was a change when Ling came in),” Robert told the local media.

“I had a good relationship with Mark Cooper, he brought me from Lorient to Swindon so I don’t think the gaffer, Martin Ling, knew me before because I was playing in France.

“I have to prove (my quality) in training and now when he picks me in the starting XI and hopefully I will stay in the team.

“It’s not the same role (in midfield). I prefer to play number 10, but it doesn’t matter if I play in a central position because me and Ben (Gladwin) can swap, me and Yaser (Kasim) or Louis (Thompson, can swap). It’s not fixed, we can change or move. We have the liberty.

“The gaffer said to us 'Yaser in some action will play 10, Fab you go six, Ben you go there. We can change during the game so it’s no problem'.”

A new position is not the only change for Robert this season. Aside from a spring spell with Doncaster the midfielder had previously played all of his football in the French leagues and would have been used to getting a Christmas break.

This season he will get his first experience of the traditional English festive fixture list. Despite not spending Christmas with his family Robert seems to be relishing the prospect.

“No (I won’t get to see my family),” added the 26-year-old. “My family are back in France for Christmas, because of the Boxing Day I don’t want to leave them back at home alone.

“We have four games in that time so it’s busy. I like it, it’s good for the fans.”