Joe Sbarra was pleased to play the full-90-minutes against Matlock Town in his preferred advanced position and was delighted to grab his first goal of pre-season in a challenging game.

The academy graduate, who made his Championship debut on the final day of last season, has featured regularly in pre-season, although he has generally played in a more-orthodox midfield position.

 He was given the chance to play in his preferred attacking midfield position marked his opportunity with a first-half goal.

 Sbarra was happy to break his pre-season duck, especially against what he sees as tough opposition.

He said: “It was a good test for me to be playing just-behind the striker, because that is where I see myself playing, especially against good opposition like Matlock, who were up for it. Especially when they changed formation in the second-half and made it more challenging to be on the ball.

“(I see myself) more as an attacking midfielder but I am happy to play wherever.

“A responsibility you have as an attacking midfielder is to getting in amongst the goals, getting shots off and creating chances. It was nice to get a goal, the first one of pre-season so hopefully I can kick-on.”

The midfielder also said that he is enjoying his involvement in pre-season so far.

“It is a real challenge but I have enjoyed every minute of it so far. The sessions have been hard but it is getting us in the best shape that we can be for the season.”