The 25-year old produced a star performance in the weekend win over North West rivals Liverpool when blocking the threat of Reds captain Steven Gerrard throughout the game.
Reggae Boy Gardner is now in his seventh season with the club where he played as a left winger under previous manager Colin Todd before being converted by current boss Sam Allardyce into a move defensive minded player - something which he feels has only added to his attributes in the game.
"It was great to get a result like that against Liverpool and I'm feeling comfortable at left-back." he told the Manchester Evening News
"But I wouldn't really say that my defensive side is taking over from the attacking side. I'm trying to balance it. I know what the gaffer is saying and I've got to work with whatever he says. He has talked to me about playing in defence and he's working with me as well
The Jamaican international now faces a week of international travelling with his country but on his return he will have a big test in facing Manchester United wonderboy Cristiano Ronaldo when the two sides meet for the local derby on September 11th.