Dan Harding has been earmarked for a new midfield role during Albion's pre-season programme.

The youngster established himself at leftback at the expense of Kerry Mayo in the latter part of last season.

Now manager Mark McGhee is planning to try Harding in the centre of the park in friendlies against non-league opponents, which kick-off at Worthing next week.

"One of the reasons these sort of level of games are probably appropriate for us is that we have got a wee bit of experimentation to do," said McGhee.

"We are going to be looking at Harding in midfield, where I think we are going to need a little more quality. We have great competitiveness in Chippy (Richard Carpenter) and Charlie (Oatway), but we need something else as well. Maybe Dan can bring that."

Harding and Adam Virgo, who has taken over at rightback from Paul Watson, have both been offered new three-year contracts.

Simon Rodger is creeping closer to a return to action after being sidelined since September by cruciate knee ligament damage. The former Crystal Palace stalwart could be an alternative answer to McGhee's wish for a left-footed central midfielder.