Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell has revealed that he is happy to play in central defence in a bid to help the Black Cats avoid relegation this season.

The 24-year-old, who is constantly plagued by injury problems, believes that he will eventually end up playing in central defence after learning the craft as a junior.

Rodwell came off the bench to play a defensive role for Sam Allardyce in the 1-0 loss to Watford on Saturday and suggests he could find himself in the back half a little more than usual as the season progresses.

Rodwell said: "I've played at centre-half plenty of times before. From England Under-16s, through the 17s and 18s, really all the way through my youth career, I played at centre-half.

"For some reason, when I made my debut (at Everton) I just played in central midfield and it went from there. I'll play at the back again though, no problem.

"We've spoken about it, but we spoke about it under Dick Advocaat as well. He was trying to involve me in there a bit in the training sessions. We'll see how it goes.

"Our back three have been solid. But if the manager asked me to play there, I think it would be natural for me.

"Eventually, I think I'll probably end up playing at centre-half. What am I now, 24? By the time I get to 28 or 29, I imagine I'll be playing in the defence.

"I think it'll be a natural transition for me, although I'm not really sure when it will happen. It could be three years, or it could be three weeks' time if someone gets an injury.

"It's so hard to say, but I think there's an inevitability about it happening somewhere down the line."