Halford happy to be Mr Versatile

Greg Halford believes his best position is central midfield – but has also revealed how he might give Wolves' keepers a run for their money.

The 24-year-old arrival from Sunderland has gained a 'play-anywhere' tag, after spells on both wings last season and up front on loan at Sheffield United.

He initially made his name in defence at right-back and left-back during his days at Colchester.

Central midfield is already congested with Karl Henry, Dave Edwards, Dave Jones, Nenad Milijas and Andrew Surman all competing for a place, while Wolves have also bid for Surman's former Southampton team-mate Adam Lallana.

But the £2million signing believes he can gatecrash his way into Mick McCarthy's plans there too.

Halford said: "I feel my best position is centre midfield. I haven't had the opportunity to play there as much as I would have liked and I've come here more as a right midfielder.

"But I'm sure over the course of the friendlies in pre-season I might get the opportunity to show what I can actually do. Hopefully I can take it with both hands.

"I'm really not fussed where I play at the minute."

A rangy 6ft 4ins, Halford is Wolves' tallest outfield player – he could even give goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and Co something to think about.

He said: "I've played in goal. I was substitute keeper at Sheffield United, because they didn't go with one on the bench.

"At Sheffield, I used to train once a week with the keepers because if anything happened to Paddy Kenny, I was going to go in goal.

"I'm not that bad in goal. I came through the youth ranks and had half a dozen games in goal at Colchester and one in the reserves, so I can play there if needed."

But McCarthy sees this jack-of-all-trades playing wide, where he scored the headed winner against Preston that took Sheffield United into the play-off final last season – one of eight goals he notched in 2008/09.

Halford said: "The gaffer here sees me playing predominantly either wide right or wide left, which is where I played most of my games last season.

"He doesn't see me as a right-back – I don't even see myself as a right-back any more, even though I started my career there.

"I prefer it anywhere in the centre, but I really don't mind where I'm playing as long as I'm playing."

Halford sounds like a manager's dream, but the Chelmsford-born utility man admits being able to slot into so many positions has its benefits and downsides.

He said: "It has its advantages and disadvantages – as I don't specialise in one position, it can hinder you a bit.

"I am considered a good squad player who can cover various positions. But I feel I can do a job anywhere given the chance."

Halford realises it's going to be tough to break into any position at Wolves, but he's under no illusions.

He said: "It doesn't bother me at all – I knew it was going to be tough to break into the side here.

"Wolves pretty much had a set team last season and that was what got them promoted.

"So I knew it was never going to be easy to break in, but I'm ready for the challenge."

After £2.5million-plus moves to Reading and Sunderland failed to work out – he played just eight and three games respectively and was sent off twice for the Black Cats.

Now Halford is eager to make it third time lucky.

He added: "I definitely sense there is a real hunger here and that's very exciting."