Injured Andy Myers is backing City to deliver a Boxing Day pick-me-up with victory in the relegation showdown against Stoke.

Myers faces six weeks out of action after a double hernia operation.

But the club's player of the year expects his spirits to be lifted by a home win over third-from-bottom Stoke on Thursday.

Myers said: "After the great result we had against Nottingham Forest I can't see why we can't beat them. That win showed what we are about and we've got more than enough to do it again.

"We were unlucky to lose at Watford. The penalty was harsh although I could see where the referee was coming from.

"We deserved to get something but that will just make everybody that bit more determined to make up for it against Stoke.

"It's just very frustrating that I can't be part of it. It's a terrible time of the year not to be fit because there are so many games coming up."

Myers revealed he has been playing through the pain for three months.

He said: "I felt it first come on during the Wrexham game in the Worthington Cup and it has gradually got worse.

"Against Forest I did some damage in the first half and just about managed to finish the game but I couldn't train all week. I had to have something done.

"It's disappointing to be injured but the good thing is that there is cover in those positions. Mark Bower is quality and David Wetherall isn't far away from coming back."

Boss Nicky Law said: "Andy has been on the anti-inflammatories and painkillers to keep going as long as he can. But he got to the point where he could no longer play and had the operation done.

"It's a good chance for Mark Bower. He did well early season but then dipped a bit and it was time for him to come out.

"But he did very well again on Saturday at Watford and I'm sure he can do a job in the centre of defence."

After watching the video of the game, Law changed his mind over Lewis Emanuel's challenge on Jermaine Pennant.

Law said: "Looking at it again, when Lewis put his arm out the referee had no choice but to give it.

"It was a good decision. But there was completely no need at all for Lewis to do it. He had a brainstorm and once again one individual decision has cost us the game."