CLARKE Oduor has been challenged to keep showing the fans what he’s got.

Oduor’s selection in the front three against MK Dons raised some eyebrows among fans.

But he justified the call by having a hand in all four City goals - and tucked away the final one himself.

Now Graham Alexander wants to see that ability on display on a regular basis and stressed there can be no let-up.

“Clarke’s a very good player,” he said. “There are things he needs to improve and I’ve spoken to him about that.

“I’m trying to encourage him to showcase what he is as a footballer. He’s got great talent and has got a good engine.

 

 

“He just needs to understand that keeping it in your back pocket and not letting anyone see it is no good for anybody.

“He has to bring it out in the open and I thought he did that.”

Oduor had been subbed as a sub in the win at Wrexham – often an uncomfortable moment for a player.

But Alexander assured him it was purely a tactical move to add the extra inches of Sam Stubbs in defence as the home side launched a late salvo.

The City boss showed his faith in Oduor by recalling him in Harry Chapman’s place at Valley Parade – and was rewarded with one of several strong individual displays on the night.

Alexander added: “It was a difficult one after Saturday because we obviously put him on as a sub and then took him off when we got the goal.

“I spoke to him straight away afterwards and explained it was purely a tactical decision.

“There were three or four minutes to go and we were defending so many set-pieces and long throws.

“Basically, we had to take off the smallest player and unfortunately that was Clarke!

“It’s not a nice thing to do as a manager or to happen to the player.

“But hopefully he understood when I gave him an explanation. I’m always honest and it’s about the team getting results.

“Hopefully the confidence I showed in him the other night will repay the sting from Saturday.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Clarke Oduor reacts quickly to steer home City's fourth goalClarke Oduor reacts quickly to steer home City's fourth goal (Image: Thomas Gadd.)

With Jake Young and Tyler Smith on the bench with Chapman, there is competition for the three-man frontline that Alexander is keen to employ. But Oduor has earned the shirt for now.

“It wasn’t a sympathy choice picking him,” insisted Alexander.

“I just think we have to have a forward line that looks after the ball but is then proactive when we get into the final third and plays with the freedom we want and the purpose to score.

“I was delighted that Clarke played his part in the win in a good way.

“The challenge for him, as it is with the team, is to follow it up on Saturday.”