Phil Parkinson insists there was nothing untoward about Jason Kennedy’s absence from City’s win over Carlisle.

The summer signing from Rochdale made his debut at Huddersfield last week but was not in the squad for Saturday’s first home game.

Parkinson, though, revealed he was just the unlucky odd man out – as midfield compatriot Ricky Ravenhill had been on opening day.

The City boss said: “I just swapped it with Ricky, that’s all. We’d put Jason on the bench the week before and we only needed one central midfielder.

“I’d left Ricky out at Bristol City because he was lacking match practice in pre-season and Jason had done better.

“We’ve got a decent squad and unfortunately I can only pick 11 players and seven subs. There are going to be people who miss out each week.

“Jason was unlucky not to be in the team on Saturday, never mind on the bench. Don’t read anything into it.

“He has done really well and is pushing for a starting place but competition is what it’s all about. It’s healthy in all areas.”

Connor Ripley made the first appearance of his City loan spell last night against Park Avenue. The Middlesbrough England under-20 international joined the club ten days ago as Parkinson hunts for a second keeper.

Free agent Lee Camp is still thought to be on the radar but Parkinson said: “We’re just focusing on the two that are here.

“Connor is a great lad and we’re enjoying having him here. He has trained hard and just needs to get some minutes under his belt.”

Last night’s friendly at Horsfall Stadium was the first of several squad games that City will organise through the season after deciding to disband their reserve team.

Like many clubs, they feel there is more benefit in arranging matches themselves than being tied to a second-string league.

Parkinson said: “It’s not a great league anyway and doing it this way probably means we’ll have as many if not more fixtures.

“You can play teams at your training grounds and we can control when we want to play. That’s important because the games can be fitted round the training schedule.

“I don’t like games on Wednesdays if they can be avoided because it disrupts the week. Doing it this way, allows us to control that.

“There were times last year with games scheduled when we didn’t have the resources. That won’t be the case.

“We’ve got a few things lined up already and we’ll make sure we get the games in. Players who need game time will get it.”