BRADFORD City boss Graham Alexander hailed Clarke Oduor for adapting to an “unusual position” in Tuesday night’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy win over Barnsley.

But the 24-year-old insisted he loved playing in that attacking midfield role, as he tore his former side to shreds at Valley Parade.

The Bantams won 5-1 to ensure they finished top of their group and booked a last-32 tie at home to one of Liverpool’s Under-21s, Port Vale, Nottingham Forest’s Under-21s or Fleetwood.

Oduor was the main reason for that emphatic success, as he netted City’s fifth goal, set up their second, and had a hand in both the first and fourth on Tuesday night.

Discussing his performance after the match, Oduor told the T&A: “I think versatility is a strength of mine, but I do like being in that (attacking midfield) position anyway.

“I enjoy cutting inside from the left like Graham wanted, it suits me and it worked well today.”

It was Oduor debut under Alexander, so it was not a bad first impression for him to make, with both he and Harry Chapman making a case to be pushing Jamie Walker and Bobby Pointon for a starting berth.

Oduor said: “I think I did a good job tonight and you’ve just got to be ready when your opportunity comes along.

“Hopefully I’ve given Graham a good problem to have now with selection.”

Oduor is hoping for that second wind now, with his influence on the team having faded a little since his bright start to the season.

He said: “The reason I came here was to play as many games as possible.

“I feel like I’ve got the ability to do so, so it’s about showing what I can do when I get chance.”

The only blot on Oduor’s copybook against Barnsley was a bad miss at 3-0 up, when he rounded visiting keeper Ben Killip, only to hit the post from a slight angle with the goal gaping.

He did eventually get on the scoresheet midway through the second half, and said: “It definitely was satisfying to make up for that miss.

“It would have been good for that first one to squeeze in, so it was a bit of a relief when I got that last goal for us.”

As mentioned previously, Oduor assisted Andy Cook for City’s second, while he also played a hand in Matty Platt and Lewis Richards’ goals.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Andy Cook (left) needed that goal on Tuesday night, and he had Clarke Oduor to thank for setting him up.Andy Cook (left) needed that goal on Tuesday night, and he had Clarke Oduor to thank for setting him up. (Image: Thomas Gadd.)

He said: “I think that’s just my game, and it comes naturally.

“I’m good at creating opportunities for other people, so the big thing for me is just to improve with getting a few more goals.

“I think that’s coming now, I’m getting in the box and six-yard area a lot more, and that’s where I scored my goal from tonight.”

An impressive cup win over Barnsley does not disguise the fact that the Bantams are not playing well enough in the league.

They currently sit 19th, just six points above the League Two drop zone, ahead of a tricky home game against Accrington Stanley this Saturday.

Turning his thoughts to this weekend, Oduor said: “I definitely want to play my part in getting us back on track in the league.

“A few of us lads there have given the gaffer a good problem to have going into the game on Saturday.

“It’s just about building that momentum now, going again in training this week, working towards Saturday, then so on after that.”