Versatille midfield options offer Martin a vast choice

The performances of Ben Gladwin, playing at left wing-back, have given Russell Martin more food for thought recently.

More commonly used in the centre of the park, Gladwin has been played out wide since the FA Cup win over Eastleigh, replacing Daniel Harvie prior to his international departure.

Proving a good outlet on the left flank, Gladwin looks to have shaken off the injury problems which plagued the start to the season and is offering Martin another option out wide.

The manager though says they still have to be careful with the 27-year-old, but has not ben surprised how easily he took to playing on the left flank.

"Ben has been really good for us," he said. "We have to get the balance right with him to make sure he’s at peak fitness. It’s no surprise to us though, he earned his move to the Championship from that position. He’s such a good footballer he could play anywhere for us, he’s a really good solution when Danny and Regan (Poole) are away.

"It’s good to have him back involved and he will get better and better, we’ve got a good routine now to make sure he’s fit for games and ready to play."

"The frustrating thing for Ben is he came back the best he has ever been and had a slight injury during the season. He is in a really good place physically and mentally and will add a lot to our group. He’s in a much better place, he’s in better shape and is such a good footballer. The more we can get him on the pitch the better for us."

Having Gladwin as a more permanent fixture in the squad adds yet another option not just out wide, but in the centre of midfield too. With Gladwin, David Kasumu, Lasse Sorensen, Scott Fraser, Louis Thompson, Andrew Surman, John Freeman and Jordan Houghton all capable of playing through the middle, Martin's options are plentiful.

Houghton said the competition for places is keeping everyone on their toes.

He said: "The midfield has a lot of competition and all over the pitch we have good competition for players. A lot of players can play multiple positions which is helpful. We’ve some really good players in midfield and that pushes us every day and makes us work harder every day.

"You’ve got to keep working as there is a lot of games in a short period. It might not even be you’re dropped because you’re playing badly, it could be because you need a rest. But as players, we need to be ready whenever we are called upon."