Fast-improving Shrewsbury Town defender Jermaine Grandison insists he sees his long-term future at centre half – after labelling Reuben Hazell as his “mentor.”

Grandison’s opening taste of first team action this season came at right back after an injury to Carl Regan.

But the former Coventry youngster has moved into a central position since both captain Ian Sharps and Australian Shane Cansdell-Sherriff were sidelined through calf and hamstring problems respectively.

And Grandison admits he feels more at home occupying the centre ground.

“I’ve been playing at centre-half the last few years and it’s only recently I’ve been playing at right back,” he said.

“But I’ve been in the team so I’ve been enjoying it

“Long term, I would say my main position is centre half – I feel more comfortable there.”

In the absence of Sharps and Cansdell-Sherriff, Grandison has teamed up with Hazell in the last week at the heart of the Town defence.

Shrewsbury are sweating on the definitive outcome of Hazell’s leg injury – suffered in injury time of Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Torquay –which could leave them short of defensive options for Friday’s trip to Southend.

But Grandison has signalled out Hazell for the role he has played in his recent development.

“Reuben is really experienced and is always getting me talk to the other defenders,” added the 20-year-old.

“It’s helping me with my game and helping me improve so it’s good to learn off someone with a lot of experience.

“We drive into training together in the mornings and he’s my mentor.

“He’s always talking to me and telling me where I can improve.

“He talks sense so I will keep listening to him.”

By JAMES GARRISON