IN-FORM defender Sam Oji is one of the best centre-halves in Vanarama National League North, according to Worcester City team-mate Junior English.

Since returning to the starting line-up last month, Oji has produced a series of stand-out showings for Worcester.

And English believes the 31-year-old is “starting to show what he is all about” after an error-strewn start to his City career.

Oji had a debut to forget in August as he was at fault for two goals in a 3-2 defeat to local rivals Gloucester City.

However, English was always confident the former Arsenal youth team player would soon find his feet.

“When he first came in you could tell he wasn’t fit and I don’t think he knew much about the league,” said English, who played alongside Oji in Birmingham City’s academy.

“Obviously, he didn’t get off to the best of starts but in the last four or five games he has started to show what he is all about.

“When he is on his game, he is strong, quick and can play — he has got everything in his locker.

“I don’t think there are many better centre-halves in this league.”

The powerful centre-back has played in the Football League for Doncaster Rovers, Leyton Orient, Bristol Rovers and Hereford United.

After a short stint in Sweden, he joined Tamworth before spending three seasons in Ireland for Limerick and Galway United.

Oji signed for City in the summer and English believes manager Carl Heeley pulled off a “coup” after claiming his former club Solihull Moors were interested in snapping him up.

“I think Solihull wanted him but that didn’t work out, so he probably went under the radar because if more clubs knew he was available it probably would have been harder to get him,” English said.

“But he knew me and Richard Batchelor and we spoke about the club telling him there was a good thing here and you would really enjoy it.”

Oji has made nine appearances for Worcester and played a key role in securing clean sheets in three of their last four matches.

“The block he put in at the end against Altrincham shows the type of player he is as he puts his body on the line,” said English after City’s 3-0 win over their league rivals late last month.

“I knew Sam when I was at Birmingham, so I have known him for a while and if you look at his CV he has played at a high level.

“This is probably the lowest he has played at, so it was just a case of him getting to know it.

“He is 31 now, the same age as me, and probably not as quick as he used to be.

“But he has got experience and he talks, which is something I love as a midfielder.

“He has definitely helped us in the last four or five games, so long may that continue.”

Worcester take on AFC Telford United at the Victoria Ground on Saturday (3pm).