Danny Higginbotham believes left back is now his preferred position after being a considered a centre half by trade for most of his career.

The 30 year old defender rejoined the Potters from Sunderland last August and went on to play at full back for the campaign as City secured a second season in the Barclays Premier League.

It's definitely a contrast to his first stint at the Britannia Stadium where he played the majority of his matches at centre half, forming a good partnership with the then Club skipper Michael Duberry.

"I didn't think I'd say it but I consider myself as a left back now," Danny told stokecityfc.com.

"I played there for the most of last year and I really enjoyed the season.

"It's a bit like when I was youngster and I played at left back a lot more.

"I always said I wanted to play at centre half but now it's gone full circle and I enjoy playing out on the flank."

Higginbotham was part of a quartet of players who started to form a regular backline for the Potters in the latter stages of the season, alongside the likes of Abdoulaye Faye, Ryan Shawcross and Andy Wilkinson.

But he's not one to rest on his laurels and expects tough competition for a place in the starting eleven next term with Danny Pugh and Carl Dickinson both vying for his shirt.

"Pughy and Dicko are good players," he added.

"They're great professionals who train hard and I'm sure they're itching to get some more appearances next season.

"For someone my age it's good to have a younger player like Dicko coming through because you work together and teach each other things.

"Competition for places is good in any team, it keeps you on your toes and gets you fighting to keep you place."

- Danny Higginbotham in action against Fernando Torres last season -