Kyle Bennett is braced for a scrap with Garry Thompson for City’s right wing slot.

The on-loan Doncaster wide-man has started the successive victories which have eased tensions around Valley Parade.

But he was subbed straight after half-time against MK Dons – and Thompson came on to deliver a lively response from the bench.

It has left Phil Parkinson with a big call to make as City look to complete a home hat-trick of wins aga-inst Stevenage on Saturday.

Bennett admits there is no margin for error between the two rivals for the shirt.

He said: “If I don’t perform, I don’t play. It’s as simple as that.

“Thommo has been here a while now and everyone knows what he can do.

“He’s a quality player and it is good competition between the two of us. You need that because it pushes you a bit more.

“If you know you’re going to play every week, it’s not always great. You know there’s always the next game.

“But if somebody’s pushing you, you have to perform on the day.

“Every footballer wants to play. As good friends as you might be off the field, you still want to be out there in that position.”

Bennett has made five appearances since arriving from the Keepmoat last month – starting with that red card inside half an hour against Preston.

He is still looking to build momentum after finding himself out in the cold following Doncaster’s promotion to the Championship.

He added: “I’ve not played a lot of games, probably only seven or eight (starts) all season and Bradford have played 32. So I’m quite a bit behind in match fitness.But I’m getting up to speed a bit more and feel a lot fitter now.

“The gaffer wants me to get on the ball as much as I can and that’s what I try to do.

“But obviously the defensive side is important as well. That’s why we try to do all the basics right and kick on from there.”

City’s confidence has been restored by the two wins, which have blown away memories of the 13-game drought that threatened to drag them into trouble.

Bennett said: “Nobody is thinking we’re safe now. You can never take your eye off what’s behind you. But we had that long run of games without a win and we’re still in a good position.

“Everyone is talking about behind us but why can’t we look forward? We’re 11 points off the play-offs and everyone beats everybody else in this division.”