Derby County defender Chris Baird has advised his international team-mate Paddy McNair to be wary of becoming a utility man for Manchester United.
The 20-year old’s appearances for the Reds have mostly come in the heart of the defence, but McNair is also comfortable playing at right-back and even in the centre of midfield.
But Baird, who has racked up 75 international caps for Northern Ireland at right-back, centre-back and defensive midfield, believes his versatility has held him back at times and hopes McNair will nail down a preferred position.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the 33-year-old said:
I see certain qualities in Paddy that I had at that age coming through…he can play any position. Personally, I wish I had held down one position. Say right-back, for instance. I played most of my early career there and it wasn’t until a few years later I started playing midfield.
It’s down to Paddy. If he wants to hold down one position, go for it. He has that quality.
Sometimes it has been a hindrance for me. Sometimes you’re needed here, needed there, other games not at all. It’s his own personal preference. Wherever he chooses, I think he’ll have a fantastic career in football.
McNair has joined up and trained with the Northern Ireland squad ahead of their friendly against Latvia on Friday, but he will not take any part as he recovers from the abdominal injury he suffered in the last round of international fixtures.
And Baird views McNair as his long-term successor in the squad, although he is not ready to give up the jersey just yet:
He’s next in line, but I’m not finished yet.
Paddy’s at the best club in the world, pretty much. He’s getting the best training and so on. It’s a matter of time.
Obviously, when I do eventually finish, I imagine he’ll step into my shoes. He’s got all the qualities in the world and I wish him all the best and I hope he has a fantastic career. He’s technically very good and I think he’s got all the qualities he needs to be a Manchester United player.
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