Mellberg keen on return to centre

The Swedish international stepped in as full back as cover for the injured Mark Delaney.

Mellberg has played there before for his country, but he feels it is not his best position.

"It was a one off occasion and I can't dominate in the same fashion as when I play as a central defender," Mellberg told Expressen.

"As always, I can not reach my usual capacity when I come out on the wing. It has gone real, real well this season as central defender."

"Manager Graham Taylor and everyone in the side knows that I can't play as a right back."

The former Racing Santander ace also came face to face with international colleague Freddie Ljungberg for the first time since their infamous World Cup brawl during a practice match.

There could have been a flashpoint in the game at Highbury when the pair again were involved in a challenge, but Mellberg won the ball fairly

"It was a dangerous counter attack and I was forced to go in for it," said Mellberg. "It was a nice one since it was all fair."

"I got it perfectly right hit the ball directly."

Ljungberg was also involved in a controversial moment when he was brought down by Steve Staunton for a penalty which Thierry Henry converted to seal the game at 3-1.

Mellberg thought the penalty award was dubious and revealed that Ljungberg admitted to Staunton that he did not foul him.

"It was a real dubious penalty. I don't think Ljungberg dived, but it was certainly not a penalty," added Mellberg.

"Directly afterwards, Ljungberg told Staunton that he had not touched him. Their penalty goal by Thierry Henry to make it 3-1 decided the match."