STEVE Jenkins will have no hesitation in answering his manager's midfield SOS call should it come ahead of the big kick-off on Saturday.

With Stefani Miglioranzi still struggling with an ankle injury, the former Welsh international has emerged as the leading contender to partner Gareth Whalley in the centre of the park at Oakwell.

While the manager continues his search for another midfielder, Jenkins, pictured, could come into the reckoning, at least in the short term.

Not that the experienced defender is daunted by such a prospect.

He said: "I've done it in the past so it is a possibility.

"If it is going to happen then I was glad to get a game in that position against Millwall the other day.

"It's adapting to the position but also getting used to the fitness difference.

"As a full back you bomb on, overlap and attack but there's generally a moment or two of recovery time after you've made your 60 yard run.

"In midfield there doesn't tend to be recovery time, it's continual.

"As I say, that's why it was good to get an hour in that role the other day.

"Throughout my career I've been predominantly a right-back but in times of need you do the job you're asked to do.

"Anyway, we'll see what happens in the next couple of days."

Should Jenkins be paired alongside Whalley, the former Wigan Athletic man will have no worries.

He said: "Jenks has got more than enough experience to play centre midfield.

"He's enough quality on the ball, great awareness and has a good footballing brain.

"He can more than hold his own in there, no problem."

Jenkins might yet avoid an SOS call though if his manager succeeds in adding to his squad in time for Saturday's season-opener at Barnsley.

The manager was absent from the training ground yesterday with assistant Alan Reeves confirming King was on the road in a player-strengthening quest, his attempt to land Bangor City's Owain Tudur-Jones having ended in failure over the weekend.

King has already added Patrick Collins to his squad this week and has made no secret of his desire to strengthen further.

Town's youngsters were beaten 2-0 by Shelbourne in their second match of the Milk Cup tournament in Northern Ireland.

Elsewhere, Norwich City boss Nigel Worthington has secured the services of former Swindon Town loanee Dean Marney on a season-long loan.