Talented midfield man Stefan Oakes has admitted he faces a battle to regain his place in Lincolns starting XI, thanks to the impressive displays by Shane Clarke while he's been out injured.
The left footed playmaker is finally ready to get back into the first team fold after playing the first half of the reserves' 3-3 draw against Notts Forest.
Oakes is now aiming to play some part in tomorrow nights clash with Rochdale at Sincil Bank.
However he admitted to local press that an immediate recall looks unlikely because of Clarke's excellent form. The young midfielder put up another sterling display in Saturday's 2-0 win at Chester, on the back of similar performances at Brentford and at home to Morecombe.
"I don't think there is any doubt at all that I'm not going to walk straight back into the team and that's how it should be" said ex Leicester City man Oakes..
"Shane's come in and done superbly in the holding midfield role. His performances have been very good and if you play well then you should keep your place in the team. I'd like to think the manager would do the same if the roles were reversed."
Oakes also admitted there could be a direct link between Clarkes performances and the improving fortunes on the pitch.
"I don't think it's any coincidence that Shane's performances have helped the team and he is playing with a great deal of confidence. I know it's going to be a hard task getting back into the team, especially when it's doing so well."
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