Zesh Rehman could be excused for not knowing whether he’s coming or going.

City’s club captain has been in, out, in, out of the side like a solo version of the hokey cokey.

Now his turn is set to come around again to face Oxford at right back on Saturday.

Peter Taylor is already drawing up contingency plans for another possible venture into the loan market to cover the long-term absence of Simon Ramsden and Lewis Hunt.

But in the meantime he will most likely call once more on the dependable Rehman to fill the hole left by Reece Brown’s return to Manchester United’s reserves.

The lack of stability over their first-team place would fluster most players but Rehman, to his credit, tries to take everything in his stride.

He said: “When I joined the football club, I promised to be professional and be supportive regardless of whether I was in the team or not. I like to think that I’ve kept that promise.

“No player likes watching. Everyone wants to be out on that pitch and making a difference for their side.

“But you are also there to support your team-mates and show that you care for them on and off the pitch. I take my captain’s role very seriously and feel that I do that.”

In his last two league outings, Rehman made his contribution in clean sheets against free-scoring Rotherham and Barnet. But Brown’s recovery from injury relegated him to the bench for the Cheltenham and Burton games.

He said: “I like to think that I can look at myself in the mirror and say that I’m doing the best I can. I give 100 per cent for the club in everything I try to do.

“There are times in the game when you’re on a real high, like the win at Barnet, keeping a clean sheet and leading the team. But I’ve learned over the years to keep that middle ground and not get carried away.

“I focus on what is within my control. I go in every day and train properly and make sure that I’m ready to step in when needed.”

Centre half may be his natural position but Rehman is happy for another run-out at right back – a role he has taken more often than not this season.

He said: “I’ve enjoyed playing there and felt comfortable. I’ve done it against Forest, Preston, Rotherham, Hartlepool and Barnet and think I’ve had good games.

“Experience is the key at this time because I genuinely feel we’re close to going on a run.

“No disrespect to the two lads coming in (on loan), but I don’t think they did anything that I felt I couldn’t do.”

After the hiccup at Burton, City are looking to revive their form from the last home game and Rehman would love to be part of that.

“It’s a tough game because Oxford have made a half-decent start after coming up,” he said.

“The fans were brilliant in the last home game (against Cheltenham) as the manager said and rightly so. We want to reward them with a run.

“I’m desperate to be part of it on a consistent basis, whether it’s as a right back or wherever. But I respect the manager’s decision and trust his judgement.”