Finland national team midfielder Teemu Tainio will be deployed centrally for new club New York Red Bulls according to head coach Hans Backe.

The 31-year old ex-Ajax Amsterdam man was recently signed by the MLS giants with the ability to play in a variety of positions, particularly at right-back.

But Backe insists that Tainio, who has spent time AJ Auxerre, Tottenham, Sunderland and Birmingham throughout his extensive European career, will certainly be in the centre of midfield, pulling the strings for the Red Bulls.

"I see him best as a center mid,'' Backe said.

And Tainio revealed that this was indeed his best position.

"After the last friendly, I talked with coach. I do feel that if you want to get the most out of me, you play me in the midfield in a central position,'' he said.

"But if he wants to play me at right back, I can play anywhere he wants. It won't be a problem."