Brighton & Hove Albion winger Solly March was pleased to play in a more advanced position in Friday night’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over West Ham United.
March was deployed behind Glenn Murray in a 4-4-1-1 formation against the Hammers, and feels he adapted well to the new role in a tense encounter with the east Londoners.
He said, “It was exactly what we needed. We weren’t anywhere near our best but we grinded it out, and I’m delighted we got the three points.
“I played in a different role to what I’m used to, but you learn as you play, and it was a hard-working performance from everyone.
“I played there at Chelsea last year, but that was in a different formation. It was tough, but I enjoyed it, and you learn more about the game this way.
“The manager said it was important to keep the ball as much as possible, but it was hard because we didn’t do this as well as what we usually do at home.
“He highlighted the need to make runs in behind the defence, which I did a couple of times.”
The winger also paid tribute to Glenn Murray, who equalled Kit Napier’s post-war goalscoring record of 99 goals, and feels the frontman has what it takes to play for England.
“He just keeps scoring, that’s what he does. He holds the ball up and he keeps scoring, that’s what you get from him, and it’s perfect for us.
“You know if you get the right ball into the box, then he’ll get on the end of it.
“He’s probably on the wrong side of 30 which is disappointing for him, but I don’t see why
not [play for England]. He’s probably one of the most in-form England strikers at the moment.”
The 24-year-old also assessed Albion’s overall start to the campaign, and highlighted how the next couple of fixtures after the international break will be crucial in moving further clear of the bottom three.
“It looks a lot more positive now. We still could have had a few more victories, but with this run coming up, we can keep climbing up the table.
“It’ll be good to get a bit of a rest, and maybe have a few days away. Once I’ve had a few days off, I’ll be ready and raring to go again.”