Owain Tudur Jones is still hopeful that he could earn himself a starting berth at Charlton

Tudur-Jones is just one of a host of midfielders who could take a place in a central midfield in that opening Championship fixture.

The capture of Jordi Gomez has only increased competition this summer in that position and with Tudur Jones now back to total fitness it is like another new addition to an area that already sees competition from last season's proven trio of Ferrie Bodde, Darren Pratley and Leon Britton.

And all five players know that they are competing for two or maybe three places in the centre of midfield - Roberto traditionally reverted to a 4-4-2 away from home last season whilst he tended to prefer a 4-3-3 (or 4-3-2-1 if you like) formation at the Liberty.

Bodde it seems is a nailed on starter at this moment in time but it really is difficult to pick 1 or 2 from the remaining four and it remains one of the more interesting dilemmas of the new season with the last three friendlies expected to give more clues as to Roberto's thinking for the Valley.

Speaking in today's Western Mail, the Welsh international midfielder said: “Centre midfield is definitely a position where we’re really strong now, we’ve got a lot of different players in there who can do different things and there are a lot of different combinations the gaffer could put out on the pitch.

“In that sense, Roberto is not giving anything away – and rightly so because why would he?

“There are three games to go before Charlton and I think many players could still persuade the manager they’re right for a place in the side and, going up to Chester, that's what everybody will be thinking.

“All you can do is try and get into the manager’s plans and, in that respect, I think Spain was a decent week for me

“But, when you look at the Barca game, I was disappointed as part of the first-half team.

“We were as good as they were, but we gave them far too much respect and the gaffer rightfully had a go at us.

“That first-half team had a chance to go out and create an impression – but we didn’t do that and the boys who came out second half did the business, so perhaps they’re the ones in the driving seat.

“That’s why every game counts because that’s the competition we’ve got and it will be like it all season.

“If you don’t perform on a Saturday, you’ve got a ready-made replacement there to step in. Whoever has the shirt had better do very well just to keep it.

“If I was to get into the team, I would imagine my role to be more of a defensive one, trying to nick as many balls as possible when the opposition are in possession and making the most of my size to win us good ball

“But I’ve been working hard to try and develop my game. When you talk about natural ability with passing and things like that, then there are players like Ferrie who are just different class and that’s fine.

“Then it’s up to me to improve in that area and add it to my own strengths.

“Everyone enjoyed Spain and we will feel the benefits because playing against sides that are so tactically aware as they were was great for us,” he added. “Chester will be totally different, but it will be good kind of game to bring us back down to earth.

“We have got to be able to be adaptable and after spending the last week trying to play against teams who had a lot of possession.

“Now we will be the ones who will see more of the ball and having to deal with sides closing us down quickly and getting in our faces.

“It’s the other side of the game and one we will have to deal with just as well.”

Photo: Action Images

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