THE team spirit behind City’s relentless surge towards the play-offs is summed up by someone who cannot currently get in the side.

City’s consistent campaign has been underpinned by the level-headed approach within the squad.

And Stuart McCall believes that is highlighted by former skipper Stephen Darby.

The right back, a regular pick during Phil Parkinson’s reign, has started 24 times under McCall so far this season.

But apart from a last-minute sub appearance against Swindon, he has not featured since the Valentine’s Day defeat at Fleetwood.

Darby has instead found himself playing second fiddle to Tony McMahon.

But McCall stressed the defender’s attitude has never wavered and he has shown an exemplary response to finding himself stuck on the bench.

McCall said: “Stephen epitomises the mood in the camp. He’s been absolutely outstanding.

“He is a shining light to anyone who is not in the side about how a professional should behave in that situation.

“He’s been club captain for a couple of years and a regular in the team before but it’s not often you will bring on a full back as a sub.

“But he is the one in the dressing room getting players up for it. He is the first one to celebrate a goal.

“For somebody who has been captain for so long, that shows his true character.

“Rory McArdle was exactly the same in the early part of the season and so was Nathan Clarke.

“When you’ve got lads who are not playing being like that then it helps your dressing room.

“Because if they weren’t, it would be a problem for everyone. But we haven’t got that one little bit and that’s down to the likes of Stephen.”

McCall is happy to have that competition for places going into the key part of the campaign to make sure no shirts are guaranteed.

Only Alex Gilliead and Matt Kilgallon are out the picture, although both have an outside chance of being ready for the play-offs.

“They are all focused because they want to keep their place in the side,” said the City boss. “Training has been keen this week.”