PETER Ramage is still relishing his role in the side as a full back despite initially being brought through the Newcastle United ranks as a centre half.

The 22-year-old defender was handed his first team debut by former boss Graeme Souness in the intimidating Old Trafford arena, with a brief to stop arguably the Premiership's greatest winger in Ryan Giggs.

Ramage has gone from strength-to-strength since curtailing the fleet-footed skills of the Manchester United star on that April afternoon last year and says he is quite happy to continue with a change of position if it guarantees a first-team start.

"The new manager might see me as a centre back, a right back or both, but I'm enjoying playing at right back and probably more so than if I would be at centre half. I get the chance to get forward and join in with the attack," said Ramage, who is looking to play a part in registering clean sheet No.11 for United this afternoon when Bolton visit St James' Park.

"I've played at full back a couple of times in the reserves for Tommy Craig but my main run at right back has been in the first team. I've always liked getting forward but I didn't think I would have done so well. I'm just enjoying it."

His former manager did not believe it was beneficial to throw his young defenders in at the deep end and preferred them to begin their senior team education at full back. Team-mate Steven Taylor was initially introduced at right back before eventually switching to centre half.

Taylor acquitted himself well in the position but it is Ramage's athleticism which makes him more suitable to the role than his defensive colleague.

The United defender revealed he has not only worked on stamina building with fitness coach Paul Winspear but says he has tried to improve all areas of his game in a bid to cement a regular first-team place.

"I've been working a great deal on my crossing," said Ramage who will make his 23rd Premier League appearance today against the Trotters. "You've got to be able to get quality balls into the box. It is something I have never worked on prior to being in the first team but I am now.

"When you're getting forward and Nobby (Solano) comes inside I'm the one who goes around the outside to try and whip balls in. All the coaching staff have been a big help, especially Tommy (Craig), Terry (McDermott) and the gaffer. Nobby has been great and is a fantastic crosser himself."

Ramage has modelled his game on a current United defender.

He said: "Stephen Carr has been one of the best full backs in the Premiership. He was a top international and I get a lot of tips from him. Then you have to look at Gary Neville and Luke Young, and further afield you have to look at Cafu, who is probably the best right back in the world.

"Robbie Elliott has always been good and Jean-Alain Boumsong has always been there."

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