Bradford City manager Mark Hughes has hit back at Kenya manager Engin Firat for his criticism of midfielder Clarke Oduor during the recent international break.
The 24-year-old headed to Valley Parade in the summer following his release from Barnsley at the end of last season and had started five of the Bantams’ opening six league games prior to the international break. He played a key role in the 2-1 win over Colchester United last month, playing a role in both goals with a goal and an assist.
His form saw him called up by Kenya for the first time since 2020 and he won his second international cap when he appeared as a second half substitute during the 1-0 friendly defeat against South Sudan. However, he was hauled off after just 23 minutes, with Firat scathing in his assessment of the former Leeds United youngster’s performance. Speaking after the game, he said;
“First of all, this is the reason why we have friendly matches.
“I could have put in an experienced player but I decided to see what Clarke could do in such an aggressive match.
“But when he came on, I had the feeling that he was a little afraid. It’s as if he has a brake.
“He needs to let it go and I believe we will have a good player on the side with him.”
Bradford boss Mark Hughes revealed that he immediately feared an injury, but was highly critical of Firat’s decision. Speaking to Bradford Telegraph & Argus, the 59-year-old said;
“I thought he was injured. That would be your normal take on it.
“I was sending texts and trying to get some information. But that wasn’t the case.
“The manager decided to take him after 20 minutes.”
“Clarke was scratching his head about it.
“He’s not going to say anything against his national team manager but I probably could.
“It seemed a strange one because it doesn’t usually happen.
“But the important thing for us is that he wasn’t injured. He wasn’t in a position that he had to come off, so he’ll be fine.”
Oduor was thrust straight back into Bradford’s squad today, starting the 1-1 draw with Harrogate Town. The result leaves the Yorkshire side languishing in 17th, although they are just three points off the play-off places.
Writer’s View
It was a bizarre decision to substitute Oduor less than half an hour after his introduction, particularly because it was just an international friendly with absolutely nothing riding on the result. Mark Hughes is right in his assessment of the situation, but he was clearly not worried about the player’s confidence after opting to start him this afternoon.
With World Cup qualifiers scheduled for November, it would be a shame if he was not selected for the next international squad. It does look unlikely that he will make the cut, but focusing on his domestic performances and continuing his early season form will do his chances no harm.