Jason Kennedy’s dramatic impact at MK Dons has set the bar for City’s squad players.

Phil Parkinson believes the midfielder set the perfect example to others on the fringes of the team. Replacing Nathan Doyle, he capped a busy performance with the late winner.

And with illnesses hampering Parkinson’s Notts County preparations, there could be more openings tonight.

The City chief said: “Everybody’s got to be ready to take their chance.

“All the lads who aren’t in the team are terrific players and it’s very difficult to call in a lot of positions.

“Matty Taylor looked great at centre back at Colchester and was very unfortunate not to play on Saturday. He’s champing at the bit.

“Luke Oliver can’t even get on the bench at the moment. We’ve got a lot of competition.

“We’ve got confidence in any player to come in and I think that was typified on Saturday by Jason Kennedy.”

Mark Yeates could be in line for a recall after bright displays from the bench in the past two games. The midfielder has been pushing hard for another opportunity but Parkinson has been pleased with the reaction within the whole squad since the Rotherham FA Cup debacle.

“The lads who haven’t been playing have responded just as well as those in the team.

“I could feel a difference when the subs came on against Coventry. Yeatesy came on and made an impact and it was the same on Saturday.

“A few players have had chats with me (about not being involved), which is fine. Every footballer should be disappointed not to be in the team. I’ve not got a problem with that as long as you show it the right way by training hard, which they are doing.”