ROOKIE Jacob Hanson will use Tyrell Robinson as the inspiration if he is thrown in for his City league debut.

The 20-year-old is a possible starter against Northampton at Valley Parade this afternoon.

With Tony McMahon sidelined for another week, Hanson could be asked to step up again at right back having got the late call to play in the FA Cup defeat at Yeovil, though new loan signing Callum Guy can also play in his position.

Hanson's first-team experience has been limited to just three starts – the first two were in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Yet he only has to look across the defence to left back Robinson, a former team-mate in City's development squad, as an example of seizing the opportunity.

Hanson said: "It gives you confidence seeing young players like Tyrell come through. It makes you think you might be able to get your chance. It makes it a bit easier when you see someone the same age getting in the team."

Hanson signed from Huddersfield on the final day of last January's transfer window for a nominal fee, thought to be around £25,000.

But he had to wait until the end of August for a first taste of senior football, scoring on his debut in the Checkatrade win at Chesterfield.

Hanson feels his own game has moved on through working under senior development coach Sam Collins and training regularly with the likes of McMahon.

He said: "I think I've improved as a player since I came nearly a year ago. I've got better at defending one v ones and also the attacking side of my game.

"You've got to be patient for when the chance comes around. You have to work hard and keep developing or you won't get in the team.

"When you're training with experienced players like Tony McMahon and play alongside them, you can learn so much. He's got a lot of assists in this league so far, so I've got to try to fill those boots.

"It was good to play my first FA Cup game but the result was disappointing. You've got to forget about it when you lose like that and concentrate on the next game.

"We're playing well in the league and hopefully can carry that on. I'm excited, obviously, but you have to wait and see what happens."