Sam Byram is embracing the challenge of playing as a central defender for the first time in his senior career.

The versatile defender has featured in a host of positions since returning from a long-term injury and appears to have earned the trust of Norwich City boss Dean Smith.

Byram has featured as a central midfielder, central defender, right back and left back in his 12 appearances in the Premier League this season.

The 28-year-old has been favoured to Ben Gibson in the heart of City's defence in the two matches and admits the position is a throwback from him.

"It's new for me at senior level. I grew up as a central midfielder, then centre half until I was 16 and then I moved out to right back.

"It's new territory in professional football but I have enjoyed it. It's not nice losing 4-0 but off the back of the injury, I'm just pleased to be back playing so wherever the manager decided to put me, I'll give it everything I have got.

"No, we've not spoken about anything like that," Byram says when asked whether this could be a long-term conversion.

"It's just a case of training as a team and looking at different things. Then you play as you can."

There is a gratitude that underpins Byram's reflections on another City defeat.

At one stage during his lengthy 20-month injury lay-off, Byram considered retirement. That does help put heavy defeats into perspective, even if it doesn't make them feel less painful.

"Wherever I play or even if I don't play, just being around the lads given where I've come from and how close I was to packing it in," he said.

Eastern Daily Press: Sam Byram has played in four different positions in 12 Norwich City appearances this season.Sam Byram has played in four different positions in 12 Norwich City appearances this season. (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

"I had no expectations at all when I came back. I just wanted to get back training, then complete a block of training and stay fit. I've played a lot of games that I've been available for, so it's been good in that respect.

"Results haven't gone our way but on a personal level to play as often as I have done has been good.

"Being around the lads in training and playing football again, it's a real blessing. I'll give everything in every training session and every game and hopefully people can see that.

"We've got three games to cap the season off and if I'm selected then you'll get the same."