Worked as required, when called for (7)

I believe the answer is:

kneaded

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'worked' is the definition.
('knead' can be a synonym of 'work')

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for kneaded that I've seen before include "Having made bloomer, perhaps" , "Worked into dough with the hands" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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