THE debate over Clarke Oduor’s best position has rumbled on ever since he signed.

Oduor arrived as a left wing-back from Barnsley but insisted his favoured role was attacking from midfield.

He has been used frequently as one of the “eights” but reverted effectively to wing-back when he came on for the second half at Fleetwood.

With Jack Shepherd available after suspension, it will release Lewis Richards to play in that position against Colchester.

Should Oduor start, it is likely to be in back in midfield.

Tyreik Wright’s thigh injury, though, means he remains very much in the picture for defensive duty in the meantime.

Graham Alexander is happy for Oduor to continue to cover several bases.

“I think Clarke’s got many attributes and can play in three or four different positions,” said the City chief. “He’s a really good footballer.

“We need these players who can play different positions. If I spoke to Clarke personally, I think he would have an open mind about what he feels his best position is.

Clarke Oduor mainly played wing-back for former club BarnsleyClarke Oduor mainly played wing-back for former club Barnsley (Image: PA)

“He’s good on the ball, he’s fit and intelligent. It’s just about him nailing down a spot in the team.”

Oduor’s recent absence restricted him to just one full training session ahead of the Highbury defeat – hence his manager’s caution in not starting him.

Now Alexander has thrown down the gauntlet to one of the most technically gifted members of his squad.

“Everyone at the club understands what a good player Clarke is but every player needs much more than that to have a fulfilled career.

“He’s been inconsistent with his run of games for different reasons through selection or injury.

“He missed a couple of weeks with the injury he picked up in the Gillingham home game.

“We believe in him and it’s down to Clarke. But I think he’s easily effective in different positions.”