James Bree opens up on working his way back into Southampton lineup

The full-back has started the last five games and has impressed supporters and manager Russell Martin with his performances.

Prior to his first league start of the season, which came away at Preston North End, Bree had only featured once in the league - a five-minute cameo against Leeds United.

Bree's first team resurgence has seen him deployed at left-back, a position very few expected him to play given his history on the right side of defence.

Speaking to the Daily Echo the former Luton defender admitted he has enjoyed his new role, but also pointed out he is still getting to grips with playing on the left.

He said: “I’ve quite enjoyed it to be fair. I’ve played on the left before in my career, but it’s not something I’ve spent a lot of time doing.

"In this team, it’s not easy, but from speaking to the gaffer for us defenders it’s about passing the ball on.

“I’ve been focusing more on the defensive side at the minute and keeping things ticking away. When you’ve got good players in front of you who you can give the ball to, it makes things easier for me.

“Getting forward is something that I want to bring into my game. Over my time at Luton, I was probably the most attacking option that we had.

"It’s a little bit of a different role at the minute, but I can do both sides. If I can blend both of them together then I’ll be winning hopefully.”

Bree admits that he still finds it odd to be playing on the left rather than his more natural right side during games.

He will occasionally find himself in situations where he feels more awkward being on the left. With that in mind, the 25 year old is hopeful that he can become more natural on the left side.

“It’s just about repetition and getting used to it," he continued. "I quite enjoy playing on this side, especially in the build-up. 

"It’s just a bit more difficult when I’m trying to get a cross in and I’ve got to work it onto my right.

“I was speaking to the gaffer and Gilly the other day and they told me ‘If you get it on the edge of the box in space then just shoot’.

"That’s something that’s a bit unnatural to me as well, but adding goals to my game is something I want to do.”

The Wakefield-born defender had profited greatly from Ryan Manning's suspension earlier this season - which saw him handed a start at Preston.

Up to then, Manning had been a regular in the starting lineup, having followed Martin to the south coast from Swansea.

Middlesborough away was the only game the Irish defender hadn't started, although he was introduced at half time.

However, since his suspension, Manning is yet to start a game as Bree has nailed down a starting role in the side.

“Competition is good in all squads," Bree continued when asked about competing with Manning every week.

"It’s helped to raise my game and to get me into the team. Ryan has trained really well and was doing well before I came into the team. 

“I know that when I’m playing he will always be raring to go and if he is back in the team I will always be pushing him to get my spot back. We will have to wait and see how things work out.

“Kyle has done brilliantly on the right side, he has played every minute so far and he has been class. If the opportunity comes then I will go and play out there - let’s see what happens.”

Bree has had to be patient in waiting for his opportunity in the first team this season.

His first start of the season came as Saints were dumped out of the EFL Cup by Gillingham before a long wait for his next appearance.

When asked by the Daily Echo about Bree earlier this season, Martin explained that the defender is a "better player than he believes" and pointed out it was his job to instil some confidence in his ability.

Asked about his perspective on the start of the campaign, Bree commented: “It’s just a confidence thing.

"When you’re not playing or you’re out of the team - I hadn’t had a proper run of games since last January - it’s difficult. When you’ve had four or five games you naturally come into things.

“That’s when things start to feel better and you understand things more, especially under new tactics. Being around the squad, I now feel more confident.

“I always back myself 100 per cent, but when you get those games under your belt and prove it to yourself it becomes a lot easier.

“Any footballer will tell you it’s tough when you are not playing. You just have to bide your time. There are so many good players in this squad it’s not going to be easy to get into the team every week.

“Being out on the sidelines means you have to work really hard and take your chance when you get it and try to stay in the team.”