Tom Penford is itching to grab a slice of the action.

The silky midfielder has been an envious spectator while City have kicked off the campaign in a positive vein.

Penford admits the more attacking approach adopted by the current team would suit him down to the ground.

"I've enjoyed watching the way we've played and I would love to be involved," said the youngster.

"That's how I like to play, going forward as often as possible and trying to make things happen.

"Hopefully I will get my chance at some point but I cannot complain because of the way that Marc Bridge-Wilkinson and Steve Schumacher have been playing. They deserve to be in the team every week."

Penford was ecstatic when he was offered a new deal in the summer and vowed to feature as often as possible in Colin Todd's plans.

But his aim to follow up last season's eye-catching form has been frustrated by a groin strain picked up in a reserve match.

Now, having negotiated his second-string return in midweek, where his pass set up a goal for Ben Muirhead, Penford is once again knocking on the door.

Alexis Nicolas, though, is unlikely to be added to the midfield mix.

The former Cyprus under-21 international has been on trial at Valley Parade but had a quiet game for the reserves at Barnsley.

The slightly-built midfielder, who left Brighton in the summer, has not been totally ruled out by Colin Todd.

But the City boss admitted: "At the moment I can't guarantee him anything. His fitness levels aren't the best but if he wants to continue to train with us and try to improve on that then it's up to him."