RYAN SHOTTON will be asked to hold steady at the centre of defence through the remainder of Tranmere’s campaign to make the play-offs, says manager Ronnie Moore.

The 20-year-old defender was switched from his regular right-back berth to centre half at Leeds last weekend after Rovers lost the services of the experienced Ian Goodison through a four-game suspension.

The reshuffled rearguard leaked three goals at Elland Road but Moore says he will continue with the formula for Saturday’s encounter with Yeovil and the potential League One play-off decider at Scunthorpe week later.

Moore said: “I don’t think there was much wrong with Ryan’s performance at Leeds. We got caught with a break down the middle for the first goal but other than that, he did well.

“Gareth Edds always does okay for us when he plays at right back and that means I can use Antony Kay in midfield, where he is most effective. That’s especially true when we are at home. We will be trying to take the game to Yeovil on Saturday.”

Kay, a specialist centre-half for most of his career, deputised at the back when Goodison missed games earlier in the season. But the skipper has become the play-maker and the creative force behind Tranmere’s push for a top six finish this season and Moore is reluctant to lose him from the midfield.

Shotton regarded himself as a centre-back when he first arrived at Preston Park on a loan from Stoke City in September in an arrangement that was extended to last through most of the season.

The youngster quickly demonstrated that his pace and enthusiasm to push forward make him a natural for the right-back role. It is a position where he made the majority of his 36 first-team appearances for Tranmere so far this season.

Moore is so impressed with Shotton’s development he will be doing all it can to secure the services of the player on a long-term loan next season.

He explained: “Ryan has been magnificent for us this season, particularly when you consider he had never played in the Football League before he came here.

“We took a chance with him and he responded in a very positive way.

He is a typical Stoke player – big, strong, quick and he’s got a long throw.

“We are trying our hardest to do something to keep him here next season. We have to wait and see what Stoke’s plans are.”

Providing Stoke secure their Premier League status, as seems likely, they may be prepared to allow Shotton and to continue his football education at a Football League club.

However, other clubs may also want to take Shotton on loan next season.