Nigel Pearson thinks George Tanner's most likely route into the Bristol City side this season is by deploying him on the right side of the central defensive three.
The 22-year-old full-back has started two games this season in an unfamiliar position at the back against Wycombe in the Carabao Cup and in the Under-21 victory against Sheffield Wednesday on Monday.
The former Carlisle and Manchester United academy prospect broke into the first-team last season making the seamless step up from League Two with 11 Championship starts but his campaign was cruelly impacted by two hamstring injuries.
When City signed him in the summer of 2021, Tanner was seen as a long-term project but such was the club's lack of options on the right, he earned the trust of the manager and didn't disappoint.
This season brings a new challenge to Tanner. The summer arrivals of Kane Wilson and Mark Sykes have intensified the competition while Alex Scott's capability of playing at right wing-back will also limit his minutes in that role.
On the contrary, Pearson's lack of options centrally means a different opportunity is likely to arise for Tanner. Zak Vyner, Kal Naismith and Rob Atkinson remain the first choice at the back while Timm Klose appears as the most likely backup while Tomas Kalas remains sidelined until October or November.
Pearson has no doubt in Tanner's ability to play centrally and said: "He might need to play (there).
"He's a defender and if he's played at right-back or right wing-back he should understand what a centre-back does. He's got the physical attributes and it's not just about teaching players. It's about them having the awareness about what their route into the side might be.
"Alex Scott played 37 times last year and played some as a wide midfielder, at wing-back and as a midfield. Loads of places.
"So I'm not suggesting everybody should do that but George is capable of defending so he might need to play there. He better understand what it is."
Pearson also provided an update on Sol Bamba's situation, confirming the 37-year-old remained in training although provided no hints that the veteran will be offered a short-term deal to provide cover at the back.
He added: "He's still training, it's to help Sol get fit and that's why he's still here.
"He's thankful to be able to come in and train and he's a very positive person to have around the place so I don't have any issue with that. I've already spoken about trying to help people in the game who need a leg up so that's really what it is."
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