TONY McMahon has been backed to keep a regular City starting slot but his days on the right wing could well be over.

McMahon will start the new season at right back because of Stephen Darby’s absence – and that is the role where Stuart McCall expects to get the best out of him.

Phil Parkinson used the 30-year-old in right midfield for the bulk of last season as McMahon chipped in with six goals and 12 assists, the fourth best tally in League One.

His versatility is likely to prove handy in the compact squad McCall will be operating with but both boss and player agree his best role is in defence.

McCall said: “When I came in, I asked him about his favourite position and he said it was right back.

“With Darbs out, it’s a chance for him to nail that position down and I’ve been pleased with his application in the games.

“He gets up and down the park and passes the ball well.”

McMahon started the first pre-season friendly against Guiseley as a left back but was on the right at Gateshead and St Johnstone.

McCall added: “Tony was more than happy to do it at left back and he has played there before. But that’s obviously not a position I’d be looking for him.

“He’s also played at the bottom of a diamond as well and you need people who can do various positions. You want ones you would trust to go and play in a certain area.

“With the loan market being as it is, if you get an injury then you can’t just bring somebody in for a month or two.”

McCall wants to play with two out-and-out wide men, although there may be an occasional call to tighten things up in midfield which could see McMahon put in there.

“I would not say never because sometimes it might be horses for courses,” said McCall.

“He’s got good set-pieces in his locker and sometimes things just fall into place. Sometimes you go away from home and might need to put a defensive-minded player on one of the sides.

“But Tony wants to be right back and he is playing right back. He’s got the shirt at the moment and as I keep telling everyone, the places are theirs for the taking.”

Darby and Rory McArdle are expected to be out for up to a month of the new season as they continue to recover from summer treatment.

McMahon has also worn the captain's armband on a couple of occasions – another issue that is still to be decided for the Port Vale league opener with Darby absent.

McCall yesterday made goalkeeper Rouven Sattelmaier his sixth capture of the summer.

The 28-year-old German, recommended by Edin Rahic from his former club Stuttgart Kickers, featured in the Guiseley game. He returned to City on Monday night when he flew in to join them in Scotland.

McCall said: "He's come over and trained with us so we know all about him. We probably need three keepers this season and he will fight for the starting place."