IT IS fair to say that Nathan Delfouneso has yet to hit top form for Swindon Town since his arrival on a free transfer over the summer, with a return of three goals in 22 appearances probably not quite what the club would have expected of the former England U21 international striker.

Town reverted to what now seems to be their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation against Bradford City on Saturday, with Delfouneso fielded in yet another new position.

Delfouneso was the spearhead of that line-up when it was originally introduced midway through the campaign but that spot is now occupied by Jonathan Obika, who is understandably the best option given the more muscular presence he provides.

On Tuesday at Southend United, former Aston Villa man Delfouneso was on the right-hand side of front three in a 4-3-3 line-up but against the Bantams, he was shunted out to the opposite flank and slightly further back the pitch.

It is clear why the Town staff view Delfouneso as an option out wide as he has shown a natural tendency to drift to the flanks while searching for the ball.

But whether this is the best way to utilise him is another question as it is hard to imagine him skipping outside an opposition full-back for pace.

Surely the primary reason for Delfouneso’s recruitment was to bring goals but he has spurned gilt-edged chances by missing close-range headers in his last two games.

It is encouraging that Delfouneso is still getting opportunities to score despite being pushed out wide but if he is in need of a confidence boost that a goal would provide, he is most likely to get one from a more central position.