WHO’S playing up front with Bradbury and why hasn’t he scored any goals this season?”

Just a little pre-match research and the freelance reporter at Chesterfield a fortnight ago could have answered his own questions.

Having operated as a striker for most of his career, jack-of-all-trades Lee Bradbury has been mastering the art of defending for almost 18 months now.

The 34-year-old, whose goalscoring exploits have seen him command around £5m in transfer fees, has been a cornerstone of the Cherries rearguard at right-back this season.

Converted by former boss Kevin Bond, the man who signed him from Southend in August 2007, Bradbury’s versatility has also served Eddie Howe well.

“We’ve got four quality strikers at the club,” said Bradbury. “And, fortunately for me, only one fit right-back. It’s ideal!”

Asked whether he felt his days up front were numbered, Bradbury replied: “I think so. I would probably only be called upon due to injury or suspension. I think Eddie sees me as someone he can play anywhere and I’m happy to do so. He knows I’ll give 100 per cent, wherever I play.”

Isle of Wight-born Bradbury made his name as a striker at Portsmouth before joining Manchester City for a then club record £3m in July 1997. But after failing to deliver the goods at Maine Road, he was sold to Crystal Palace for £1.5m just 14 months later.

“The transition to right-back has been gradual,” said Bradbury. “I played central midfield, out wide and up front for Oxford and played most of my games for Southend out wide as well.

“When I first came to Bournemouth, I had a run of games up front before I started playing at the back. It was my own fault really because I always said I would be happy to play anywhere. To be honest, I’m 34 now and just want to play.”

Despite his positional switch, Bradbury’s wealth of experience up front has been invaluable to Cherries’ young striking trio Brett Pitman, Alan Connell and Jeff Goulding.

“If we can keep them fit, we’ve got four good strikers here,” said Bradbury. “Brett’s got that knack of being able to score out of nothing and Alan’s movement is great.

“Fletch is a great out-ball for the team when we’re under pressure and Jeff is just coming back from injury but looks strong and is going to be a handful as well. We’ve got a good mix and the competition can only be good for the team.”

Bradbury is again likely to be subjected to some predictable ‘City reject’ taunts when he lines up for Cherries at Macclesfield this afternoon.

A former resident of south Cheshire during his days at Manchester City, Bradbury certainly made the Moss Rose faithful eat their words when he netted twice during a 2-0 win at the venue last season.

It was another occasion when the locals were expecting him to start up front before he showed he had lost none of his predatory instincts after lining up at right-back He recalled: “I was pushed into right midfield because their left-back was pretty small and we wanted to hit me with diagonal balls. I ended up sneaking in at the far post for a couple of volleys. It was a good game for me and a big win for the team.

“If we could end our recent run of three away games with a win, it would represent a good return. But it’s a difficult place to play. They always work hard and make it difficult so it is not going to be easy. The emphasis will be on us to take the game to them.”