BRIAN HOWARD believes he will gradually 'mature' into a central midfield role as his career progresses.

He points to an altogether more famous footballer and takes inspiration from the way he has switched from a wide man to a play-maker, a certain David Beckham.

The 21-year-old has impressed alongside Matt Hewlett in Town's last two matches and he is delighted with the opportunity to taste the job he craves.

Most Town fans and opposing players are accustomed to seeing the former Southampton man causing havoc on the left side of midfield. He is far from unhappy in that role but doesn't envisage himself playing in that role for the whole of his career.

He said: "I am really enjoying playing alongside Matty Hewlett and it's going well. I've picked up a lot of second balls and really been involved for the whole 90 minutes.

"Sometimes when you're in a wider position you're relying on others to give you the ball but that's not the case in the centre of the pitch.

"The onus is really on you to do 'the lot' if you like. You have to win the ball before you can start thinking about causing damage to the opposition.

"Since coming to Swindon I've become a lot fitter and stronger and I think you need those assets if you're going to play in the centre of midfield.

"You only have to look at Matty and Stef to realise that.

"They both get through a lot of work

in a match and have the presence you need as well."

Howard is happy as long as he's playing but he is confident that as the years roll by he will find a permanent home in his current role.

He said: "I think central midfield will be my best position. I think it's a role I will grow into.

"It does happen in football. I think you're seeing it now with David Beckham at Real Madrid. He's 29 going on 30 and only just starting to get a regular go in central midfield. He's enjoying it. I watched him on television the other night and was really impressed."

While part of a midfielder's job is to prevent the opposition scoring goals, it is also to find the back of the net at the other end of the pitch.

Howard has already struck twice this season, including a header in Monday's 3-2 defeat at Walsall.

The youngster's goal celebration involved a bizarre head-patting ritual, a reference to the fact that such goals are a rarity.

He said: "I couldn't believe it. I can't remember scoring with a header from a corner before. I'm usually taking them or taking part in a short corner routine with Sammy Igoe.

"I think I'll ask the gaffer to leave me in that position from now on as I'm obviously such an aeriel threat!"

Meanwhile striker Sam Parkin has been linked with Championship outfit Cardiff City.