GREG Leigh reckons Oxford United’s three-man defence is getting the best out of both left backs in the U’s squad.

After largely playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation since Liam Manning became head coach in March, United switched to a system with three centre backs for the trip to Stevenage at the end of last month.

The U’s came away from the Lamex Stadium with a 3-1 victory, while Manning stuck with the 3-4-2-1 set-up in the home wins against Shrewsbury Town and Bristol Rovers earlier this month.

The system has seen Ciaron Brown play as the left-sided centre half, with Leigh further forward at left wing back.

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“I think it works well because it’s something defensively we feel very comfortable with,” said Leigh.

“Ciaron plays a deeper role and covers the back line, so playing the left of a three really suits him and he likes that area.

“That gives me the freedom to go forward. It works really well.

“We were working on a four for a while, and when you play teams with a five, you do tend to think ‘can we match that?’.

“I think it’s something that when it fell into place, it fell into place really well.”

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Leigh’s performances have not gone unnoticed either, with the 29-year-old named the Sky Bet League One player of the month for September after bagging three goals for United.

“It’s something I never really thought I’d even have a shout with being in for in my career,” said Leigh.

“To be confirmed that I’d won it was a big moment for me. I’ve rarely seen defenders get it, if I’m honest.

“Centre halves probably have more of a chance to get an award like that. It’s really exciting and means a lot.”

He added: “I’ve learnt a lot about who I am as a player and what I can bring.

“It’s really great that it’s come together so early, but also I’ve got a lot of work to do, and I’ve got to keep going and pushing.

“That’s my aim, to not get too high in the clouds at the moment, and keep getting my head down and putting the work in.”

Leigh has returned to the U’s after being away on international duty with Jamaica, who he helped top their Concacaf Nations League group with wins away to Grenada and Haiti.

“It went really well. We went out with the objective of getting two wins under our belt, and we did that to top our group,” said Leigh.

“We’ll then be into the quarter finals, so we’ve achieved the first objective and now the next trip will be to try and get into the semis.”