Leeds United winger Daniel James has admitted he has 'enjoyed' playing as a central striker this season but believes it's not a position he sees himself in long-term.
Marcelo Bielsa has chosen to use the 25-year-old as a no.9 in Patrick Bamford's absence, with Jack Harrison and Raphinha out wide.
Bamford has missed 17 matches in all competitions this season after suffering ankle and hamstring injuries and it seemed like he was set to return for the FA Cup trip to West Ham United last month.
However, the Leeds boss revealed that the England international has sustained a setback in his recovery, leaving James as the lone forward in a 4-3-3 system.
Joe Gelhardt and Tyler Roberts have also been unavailable for selection in recent matches, putting extra burden on James to lead the line and it's safe to say he hasn't done a bad job at it.
Although the Welshman has scored just twice since joining the Whites from Manchester United, he has stretched the back-line well with his pace and it has allowed Harrison and Raphinha to have more freedom on the wing.
Despite never playing in that position before, James admitted he is relishing the opportunity and that it has helped him a lot in his development as a player.
He told BBC Radio Yorkshire: "I think I've enjoyed it. It's not a position I see myself playing in the long-term, but with the injuries we have and it's somewhere he has seen I can play.
"It's not somewhere I have played before but I'm learning everyday and I need to learn all positions.
"I said before you can end up in any position up there at times and you've got to know what the striker or the winger is thinking.
"It has helped me a lot, espeically when I play on the wing again and I now know what the no.9 thinks and what position to be in.
"When I play there again, it will be something I am thinking of. I get into those positions as a no.9, I'll make a movement as it was me who was making that cross, but it's different with different players, such as Jack [Harrison] or Raphinha.
"I've got to think about what they're thinking and try to be on the same wavelength. I'm learning everyday and the gaffer believes in me. I've never played as a one up front, it's probably not one that I thought of.
"As I said, I can grow into that position but it's not one that I can see me playing in the long-term. But I have relished it and I've taken as much as I can from that position. A lot of the stuff is back to goal, making runs and trying to see the ball."
Bamford could return for the trip to Aston Villa and even if he is fit for selection, it's likely that he would be put on the bench given his lack of game time.
