THE COMPETITION for the left wing-back role is set to heat up with the potential return of Harry Toffolo and Amari’i Bell for next Saturday’s home game with Doncaster Rovers.

Ben Gladwin starred as a makeshift wing-back in the position in Saturday’s win at Notts County.

The versatile midfielder took time to settle, being caught out of position early in the first half and having to rely on a Nathan Thompson block to bail him out after allowing Garry Thompson free down the Town left.

On the front foot, though, the man plucked from non-league last season offered plenty of quality.

After the break Gladwin was instrumental in setting-up Andy Williams’ second, making a fool of Curtis Thompson and drilling a dangerous low ball for the striker.

After the dismissal of Liam Noble he repeated the trick, this time assisting Massimo Luongo and ultimately forcing Shaun Derry to withdraw Thompson.

After the game Cooper expressed his pleasure at Gladwin’s performance and admitted despite the return to fitness of his preferred options in the position the former Marlow man’s hat was now certainly in the ring.

“We know that Ben’s got fantastic ability but we’re still not sure what his best position is, he’s played at left wing-back before at Yeovil,” said Cooper.

“We now know that we’ve got somebody else that can play left wing-back.

“The more minutes (Ben) plays the more comfortable he’s going to feel, you certainly saw evidence of that today.”

With Gladwin demonstrating such adaptability Cooper will have a tough choice to make next week as he, Toffolo and Bell could be available for selection.

“The knee brace (on Toffolo) is precautionary just to take the strain off his knee but, speaking to the physio he thinks he could be available for the weekend,” he added.

“George Barker has a hamstring injury and Amari’i Bell has a medial knee ligament injury.

“Hopefully they’ll all be fit to play or participate next weekend.”