I WAS pleased that Chris Bridge showed his true potential in the full back role when he starred for a youthful Wolves team in Sunday's pre-season friendly against Barrow.

It was two months ago when I first mooted that the Ireland international could be suited to the number one job, knowing that he would not be a 'dead cert' for half back during the 2008 campaign due to the signing of Michael Monaghan from Manly.

His performance at full back against Leigh Centurions on Boxing Day perhaps suggested to some that his future lay anywhere but the number one role. Talk about not giving a bloke a chance!

Learning a new job is like riding a bike. You feel unsteady at first, perhaps nervy and make mistakes.

However, after a while it becomes second nature and hopefully that's how the challenge will prove for the former Huddersfield and Bradford man.

It is true that Bridge wasn't tested to the full defensively by National League Two side Barrow but he showed the impact he could have on a game in attack when he completely dominated proceedings at Craven Park.

Bridgey should now be able to take great confidence from his display and use it as a platform to build on, which is important because I think he could be a very important weapon for Paul Cullen this year.

When Bridge is fit and firing, he is a player that a coach cannot afford to leave out of his team.

His deceptive strength, elusive footwork and explosive pace off the mark make him a match-winning footballer and Wolves need as many of them on the field as they can muster.

Now, just because the 23-year-old is currently learning the full back slot does not mean that is where he will always play.

In my eyes, Bridge is simply adding another string to his bow, adding full back ability to the talent he has previously shown at scrum half, stand off, centre and winger. And we should not be surprised to see him at loose forward or hooker at some time in the future, too.

Versatility is coveted by coaches in today's game and Bridge's ability to adapt offers Wolves tremendous options, especially among the substitutes.

Having Bridge on the bench would cover every back position for injury. I would suggest wing may be the least advantageous place to play him but now that he is learning to play full back perhaps he could slot in at the rear with Stuart Reardon switching to the wing, should the need arise.

And Bridge on the bench would also cover the hooker and loose forward positions, potentially allowing Cullen to select three props on the bench if he felt the match warranted it.

Of course, there are injuries during a year and I expect Bridge will still find himself in a starting position on many occasions.

The way I see it, Wolves have three very strong half backs for 2008 with one of them adding the kind of utility value that classes him as a highly desirable asset.