Kenyan international, Clarke Oduor came on as a second-half sub for Barnsley in the friendly match against Rochdale at the Crown Oil Arena on Wednesday afternoon.Oduor came on at halftime as new coach Markus Schopp began his reign with a friendly match against the League Two side ahead of the league resumption in a month’s time.What raised eyebrows however was the position that the Kenyan international played. Oduor was fielded upfront and he looked lively in the second 45 minutes, earning plaudits from supporters. 🇰🇪 Clarke Oduor looks lively every time he’s in possession!💪 Great to see Ben Williams back on the grass.🐺 Wolfe, Sraha and Pache seem composed as a back three.🔵 1 – 2 🅱️ [70′]— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) July 14, 2021 Oduor is primarily left-winger/back but the decision to play him upfront could mean that Schopp sees him as an attacking option heading into the new Championship season and it could also mean that he is likely to be involved more this coming season.The skillful midfielder endured a difficult 2020/21 season under Coach Valerien Ismael who has since left for West Brom. He was barely used throughout the season as his side missed out on promotion after losing to Swansea in the play-off semis. There were reports that he could be shipped out had the Frenchman remained at Oakwell Stadium.The change in gaffer presents Oduor with an opportunity to impress and hopefully reclaim his position in the starting team but this time, he could return as a striker rather than as a left-back or winger.He’s best remembered for saving Barnsley from going down in July 2020. With just seconds to go, and with the match against Brentford tied at 1-1, the youngster who had come off the bench, scored a winner that saved his team from going to League One, the goal earned him cult status at the club.Sounds as though the Reds played out from the goalkeeper, no long balls. 3-4-3 throughout. Cauley Woodrow was captain. Clarke Oduor up front in 2nd half which, as you can see from line-ups, saw a lot of U23s players get a chance. #barnsleyfc— Doug O’Kane (@dougokane88) July 14, 2021 The Siaya born player is a full Kenyan international. He made his national team debut during a friendly match against Zambia last October.
