STEPHAN Negru’s absence from the matchday squad as Oxford United brushed past Shrewsbury Town was due to head coach Liam Manning seeking an extra attacking option on the bench.
The absence of 21-year-old Negru raised a few eyebrows, with the centre back performing admirably when he stepped into the side for the injured Jordan Thorniley earlier this season.
Both players found themselves on the bench though when Manning switched to a 3-4-2-1 formation for the 3-1 win at Stevenage on Saturday, while Negru was dropped from the squad as United welcomed the Shrews last night.
U’s boss Manning praised the former Shelbourne defender for how he reacted to not being in the squad.
“It was really difficult. Steph’s been brilliant this season and the new contract shows what we think of him,” said Manning.
“We know he’s going to be a really important player for the club over the course of this season, and the future beyond that.
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“I have to give Steph a huge amount of credit. He obviously wasn’t happy with the news, but in terms of how he handled it and coped with it, he’s been terrific.
“We felt we needed more attacking options on the bench with how we thought the game might look, so I wanted to go with just the one defender in Jordan and then more attacking options. I’m sure that will then maybe change again in the future.
“Steph hasn’t got to worry – he’s just got to keep his head down and keep working because he’s going to be an important player for the club.”
Manning added: “I sit with the players a lot individually and we’ll have a discussion on decisions.
“It’s not necessarily about them agreeing with it, but it’s about respecting it.
“Players will always look at it from their angle, I look at it from the team’s angle and what the team needs.
“I’ll always talk to the players and give them the opportunity to come and have a discussion.
“I like to pull the players and I like to give them feedback because ultimately we all want the same goal.
“I know that they might not be in the team now, but the team might need them next week, so that’s why I’ll always try and communicate, and be open and honest and with the players.”
Billy Bodin was withdrawn at half-time against the Shrews, with Tyler Goodrham coming on in his place.
Manning said the decision was one to protect Bodin and provide the 31-year-old a rest.
“It was one looking at it where Billy’s at, for him to go Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday and keep delivering the physical demands that we’ve asked of him, there are elements of risk,” said Manning.
“It wasn’t pre-planned at all, it was just something we spoke around and felt was right.”
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