Wigan Athletic star relishing his reinvention as a defender!

The 26-year-old arrived from Portsmouth in the summer primarily as a midfield player.

But with on-loan Everton man Antonee Robinson sidelined until February after ankle surgery, and no other recognised left-back in the squad, Naismith has been thrown in at the deep end.

And he’s come up with three fine performances as Latics picked up five points in the space of a week.

“I’ve been loving it to be fair, really enjoying it,” he told the Wigan Post.

“This is such an enjoyable team to play in, because we like to play the ball around.

“The full-backs are encouraged to get forward at every opportunity, which suits me.

“I’m obviously an attacking player so when I get forward I’m always looking to get crosses in.

“As a full-back you can see the game in front of you and it’s been so far, so good.”

Latics are now seven points above the relegation zone, having recovered well from a four-game losing sequence.

And it could have been even more had they not been held in a tight derby at Bolton.

“We’re slightly disappointed we couldn’t make it back-to-back wins, but an away point’s always good,” Naismith added.

“Three games unbeaten is an achievement. We’re happy with the week as a whole.”