While Tony Mowbray has been reluctant, Charlie Mulgrew says he is more than happy to play on the right side of a central defensive pairing.

Mulgrew fulfilled the role earlier this week, alongside Scott McKenna, when captaining his country in a 3-0 defeat in Belgium.

Mowbray has avoided playing two left-footed central defenders during his time at the club, with Mulgrew and Derrick Williams both options, for fear of a lack of balance.

The boss, a central defender in his playing days, feels it isn’t a natural fit, but having done it for Scotland, Mulgrew felt he coped well.

He said: “It was fine playing on the right of the central defence with Scott.

“I enjoyed it. I have done it before and it’s not a problem being left-footed and playing in that position.”

It is his left foot that he is famed for however, not least with his penchant for a set piece goal.

Last season he managed three goals direct from corners, and after six from the penalty spot, including one for his country, and two from free kicks, it has proven to be a great weapon for Rovers.

Although having seemingly mastered scoring from a corner, Mulgrew says it’s not all down to him, though he has targeted scoring 10 before his career is done.

The 33-year-old explained: “We worked on it on one Friday and the manager just told me to try and shoot.

“Without the people who are blocking the goalie or the front post man then it’s impossible.

“If you take our players out the game and just have me shooting then it’s impossible, it’s never going to go in.

“I get the credit because I put it in that area, but the boys in front of goal deserve a lot of credit for barging people out the way.

“It’s not illegal, we’re just standing our ground, so it worked well a few times. I’ve still got to hit the target with the ball, but we had worked on it.

“I actually scored one up at Ross County before, but that one wasn’t even meant, and it ended up in the top corner. So, I’ve got four in my career, and I’m aiming for 10”

Mulgrew was named as captain for the Belgium defeat with Andy Robertson, who took over the armband last September was missing.

That came three days after a last-gasp win over Cyprus, and Mulgrew has been impressed with the level of progress made under new boss Steve Clarke.

He told the Scottish press: “There is something happening here under the new manager. It was always going to be difficult against Belgium but we need to stick together and start to look forward.

“We need to listen to the manager. We’ve only had nine days with him and there is more to come.

“Hopefully this is just the beginning of something for us.

“The manager’s been brilliant. From day one, you could tell right away how good he is.

“His organisation is spot on and I’ve been very impressed so far. We’ll do everything we can to get to the finals. He is definitely the man for the job.”