Mark Stimson says the versatility of new signing Chris Palmer leaves him with a selection poser ahead of the Coca-Cola League 1 clash against Exeter City at Priestfield on Saturday.

The 25-year-old (pictured) summer recruit from Walsall is equally at home at right or left back, either midfield wing and delivers corners with both feet and Stimson said: "That’s why we signed him because we knew he could play in all four positions and is happy to do it.

"To come in on Tuesday night and play that way, has given me a problem for the weekend, deciding whether to play him or John Nutter who was ill.

"It was also nice to see Garry Richards come back as well because we are light in that area."

Stimson added: "I thought Josh Gowling was outstanding against Colchester. It was a proper centre-half’s performance and since he has gone to the right hand side, he looks a different player, comfortable and natural there.

"It’s crazy how you can move across the pitch 10 yards and make such a difference. He also covered brilliantly on the other side as well.

"Looking at the bigger picture, the prospect of Josh Gowling and Simon King playing together is exciting, they could be a good pair."

Exeter finished runners-up behind League 2 champions Brentford last season and Stimson knows them well since facing them when in charge at Grays and Stevenage in his non league days.

He added: "It was one of my worst nightmares losing 3-0 down there last season but we beat them 1-0 here and did better.

"I expect them to come and want to play because their manager Paul Tisdale likes to see them pass the ball.

"They have play two big guys up front and signed Stuart Fleetwood from Charlton this week, so we have got to be ready for them, and will be."