Toronto winger Reggie Lambe insists he’s working hard to add some defensive qualities to his attacking instincts as he looks to become a more complete player.

The Bermuda international has endured a stop-start season at Toronto who have struggled in their bid to mount a play-off challenge and currently lie ninth in the Eastern Conference.

Despite finding himself consigned to the bench at times this term, Lambe believes he has improved the defensive side on his game in his bid the land a regular starting berth.

“I think the defensive side of my game has grown, tracking back more and staying with runners,” he said.

“Going forward I’m trying to combine with other players, one-twos, and trying to create goals.

“The defensive side of my game has developed and once I bring them both together I think I will be a stronger player.”

Lambe returned to coach Ryan Nelsen’s starting line-up last weekend but couldn’t prevent his side slipping to a controversial defeat at Chicago Fire.

Chicago were awarded a contentious penalty in the 63rd minute when a free kick by Chicago’s Mike Magee’s free kick was adjudged to have struck Toronto defender Jonathan Osorio’s arm when he was in the wall.

“I didn’t think we deserved to lose that game. They were given a penalty decision and that’s what changed the outcome of the game but I think we played brilliantly and didn’t deserve to lose,” he added.

“I just think that we need to make the right decisions in defensive areas, making clean tackles and not being too clumsy.

“Once we get that down collectively we will be much stronger.”