Aberdeen's top goalscorer in recent seasons is acutely aware that the centre of the park is not where he does his best work, but was prepared to step up to the plate what instructed by the gaffer.
Now Craig Brown hopes to have Stephen Hughes fit for action in this afternoon's fixture with Dundee at Dens Park, which could release Vernon from his unfamiliar midfield beat.
But the big Englishman believes that his spell in the centre of the park has helped his all-round game, and made him a better player.
Vernon said: "I would prefer fighting for my place up front because that's my position, my bread and butter.
"Midfield isn't my best position, but I had to do the job as best I could for the sake of the team.
"I've certainly learned more about playing there with every game and I've been getting good advice from Gavin Rae who's been alongside me."