Liam Manning admits he has a selection ‘headache’ in picking his centre-back pairing following impressive performances from Stephan Negru.

Jordan Thorniley started the season alongside Elliot Moore but the 26-year-old centre-back picked up an ankle injury in 5-1 Caraboe Cup defeat to Bristol City last month.

Since then Negru has paired alongside club captain Moore as the U's picked up four wins from five games, conceding five goals in that run.

Negru’s form this season saw him attract reported interest from Brighton & Hove Albion during the latter stages of the summer transfer window.

Thorniley has since returned to the starting eleven against Northampton in the EFL Trophy game, pairing with Negru as Moore dropped to the bench.

Manning said: “It’s definitely a headache, we’ve got three really strong centre-backs.

“It’s a headache and one that’s great to a certain extent, that we’ve got people pushing each other.

“It’s going to be one I’ll have to sit on to make a decision.”

Manning added that having competition for places throughout the squad will only “improve the team”.

He said: “It’s really important that the players don’t come in and feel comfortable, and feel like they’re guaranteed to play.

“That complacency can then potentially creep in.

“Having competition and having someone push you can only improve the individuals and in turn, improve the team.

“I’m pleased with the competition that we’ve got in-house at the moment.”