Danny Forrest has convinced Colin Todd that he has a role to play in City's future.

The Keighley-born striker was handed only his fourth start of the season against Stockport.

And he responded with an energetic performance to confirm the view that he can provide the back-up for frontmen Dean Windass and Andy Cooke.

Todd said: "It was a good

opportunity for Danny on Monday and he certainly showed me enough.

"I thought he did extremely well. He found it a bit difficult in the last 20 minutes but that shouldn't camouflage what he did in the previous 70."

Forrest had not begun a game since December and admitted: "I've been desperate for that chance.

"I've had a couple of chats with the gaffer but I know he thinks a lot of me and I've always remained positive.

"He told me to go out and enjoy it against Stockport and that's what I did. But it was just nice to be back playing again.

"It's been a long time since I've started, especially at Valley Parade, and I think I should be happy with what I've done.

"I did want to score but I know I've got goals in me. Hopefully I will get better with time and can look to push on now."

Todd decided to rest top scorer Windass but he came off the bench to replace Cooke and fired his 22nd goal.

Forrest has played up front with five different partners this season including stints alongside Dele Adebola, Zema Abbey and Michael Symes. That has not made it any easier for the 20-year-old when he has got the call.

But after a run of recent games coming off the bench, he has struck up a good understanding with both Windass and Cooke.

Forrest, who has scored twice, added: "It's great for a lad like me to be playing alongside experienced players like Deano and Andy. I thought I linked up well with both of them against Stockport and they talk me through games which is a big

help.

"Obviously getting the two early goals took the pressure off the team. Sometimes at home the longer the game has gone on at

0-0, the more the players have started to feel tense.

"But we played really well on Monday and hopefully that's a sign that we can turn the home form round again.

"You look at the other results up there and we're still not out of it. We'll keep fighting to the end and give it our best shot and I'll be pushing to be a part of that."

Meanwhile, David Wetherall took charge of a youthful reserve side at Barnsley today. Kevin Sanasy and Tom Penford were the only players in the squad with first-team experience.