VETERAN campaigner Paul Groves is relishing his switch from centre midfield to centre-half and hopes it will play a part in York City's road to recovery.

The 38-year-old has stood out since making the change in the second match against Scarborough on January 2 with his performance levels improving in a position where his occasional lack of pace is not so significant, unlike in the break-neck environment of the middle of the park.

He said: "Obviously with my experience and my age, it's probably helped me playing back there.

"As long as I can help the team and get some results then I will be happy to carry on there.

"The main difference is you are more focused on trying to make sure you keep clean sheets rather than looking at the other end. You have to make sure the organisation is correct."

But Groves, who has also taken on the captain's armband temporarily with Steve Davis not yet fit, is also the first to point out that organisation on its own is not enough to win games.

He said: "We have made some strides in the last three or four games but we need to continue to progress really.

"The key is the same in any team - scoring goals. And that's something that has been difficult for us all season. The top scorer in all competitions is on eight.

"It's been tough but at one point we are keeping clean sheets but we have still got some more hurdles to climb and progress to make in that area so as to make us more difficult to beat.

"Set-pieces are an area where I can possibly have an effect in terms of attacking.

"But as a defender, your responsibility is to try to keep clean sheets. That doesn't mean it is only the goalkeeper and defenders that have to worry about it.

"The whole team has to play their part, but the emphasis is on keeping goals out and trying to snuff out any threat from the opposition."

Updated: 10:55 Saturday, January 29, 2005