PEP Clotet is weighing up whether to reward Jon Obika with a start after the striker once again impressed off the bench.

The 26-year-old is in contention to lead Oxford United’s attack in their Checkatrade Trophy Southern Group G opener at Stevenage tonight.

Obika has made only one start this season, scoring in the 4-3 defeat at home to Cheltenham Town in the Carabao Cup first round.

The striker, who turned down a new contract at rivals Swindon Town this summer to join Clotet’s side, has featured as a substitute in all four of United’s Sky Bet League One games.

The former Tottenham Hotspur trainee caught the eye off the bench in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Shrewsbury Town, providing the U’s with a stronger focal point to their attack.

With Gino van Kessel and Jack Payne well marshalled by the visitors, Clotet was pleased to see Obika make an impact.

He said: “Shrewsbury put a man in the hole to avoid Jack Payne feeling comfortable and made it very difficult for Gino to find situations where he could turn and face the goal.

“It made it easier for Jon, who is good with his back to the goal.

“I’m very happy for Jon, because he turned out, with the way the game was going, to be a very effective player on the pitch.”

Clotet added: “He is a fantastic player and always pushing for a start.

“He has a great attitude, loves the club and his work.

“All I can say is he is always pushing, because he works very hard for it.”

Obika could replace Van Kessel, who endured a tough afternoon when leading the attack against Shrewsbury, while tonight is likely to be too soon for Wes Thomas.

The 30-year-old has been struggling with a thigh problem since the defeat to Scunthorpe United ten days ago and did not make Saturday’s squad.

Clotet said: “He could not train properly in the week and it could have been more of a risk, so we preferred to wait.”

Dwight Tiendalli was named as a substitute for the first time on Saturday and could be in line to face Stevenage at the Lamex Stadium, while Aaron Martin is also pushing for a start.

The U’s boss added: “I want to sit back and look at our performance to be very fair with everyone, assess how they are feeling and go from there.”

TONIGHT’S SQUAD

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Ribeiro, Martin, Nelson, Ricardinho, Rothwell, Ledson, Ruffels, Hall, Payne, van Kessel, Obika, Henry, Tiendalli, Williamson, Xemi, Carroll, Shearer, Johnson.