Will Smallbone is set for a new role in the Leicester City midfield

Russell Martin has hinted that Will Smallbone could take on a different role in Leicester City's midfield after impressing in his first start for the club.

Smallbone made his debut in the 4-0 win over Bromley before playing 45 minutes against Luton Town. On Tuesday night, he made his first start for the Foxes and completed his first hour of football in more than a year.

The former Southampton midfielder replaced the suspended John Lundstram against Wigan Athletic and impressed despite receiving a booking in the sixth minute. Lundstram will be available again on Saturday, leaving Martin with a decision to make over his starting XI.

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Smallbone partnered Louis Page in central midfield, behind attacking midfielders Conor Chaplin and Kamari Doyle. However, Martin has suggested the summer signing will operate further forward as the season progresses.

"It was beautiful," Martin said on his performance. "He's a really good footballer and actually, he's played a bit deeper tonight than he probably will moving forward, because he can do both.

"He's a really fantastic football player. Obviously, he's worked for us before so he knows the system very well. I think on Saturday, he helped us a lot when he came on the pitch and tonight, he helped us."

Leicester have several options in central midfield, with Sammy Braybrooke dropping to the bench against Wigan. The academy graduate had been playing in a deeper role than usual and earned praise from Martin after coming on.

"He didn't lose it [his spot], he didn't deserve to come out of the team," Martin said. "We knew we had to bring Will off and the best person to replace him was Sammy. So do we start Sammy? The same for Chaplin.

"I loved Liam Cullen and Sammy's performance when they came on. I wish I could have made another sub with Harry Howell, but we can't, unfortunately.

"I enjoyed the subs' energy and they really helped us."