City may not be out of the blocks yet but Leon Osborne is finally up and running.

Osborne came off the bench for the final quarter of the Port Vale game – his first action since a pre-season thigh injury.

The 20-year-old didn’t expect to be included so soon without any reserve outing beforehand. He is due to play a half against Nottingham Forest at Eccleshill tonight to continue building up fitness.

But Osborne’s inclusion showed how Peter Taylor is prepared to keep everyone guessing over his team selection.

It’s a policy that the young striker has no problem with.

Osborne said: “We’ve got a strong squad and training has that extra bit of competition because everybody knows the gaffer hasn’t really made his mind up yet. Everyone wants to be his first choice so it’s a healthy battle.

“Everybody’s different and some might want to know they are in the team early. But for me personally, I prefer to get told at the last minute.

“I try to give it my all right until I’m told what’s happening. It keeps you on your toes.”

Osborne’s stop-start career at Valley Parade started to take off towards the end of last season when Taylor gave him his first regular run in the side. Playing on the left of a front three, he started the final five games and City didn’t lose any of them.

His injury in a friendly at Jamie Lawrence’s Ashford in pre-season could not have come at a worse time.

But, unlike before, Osborne’s recovery has not been accompanied with an anxiety about having to prove himself all over again. The manager made it clear there was a place in the squad for him on his return.

Osborne added: “The gaffer’s only had good things to say to me, encouraging me all the way about coming back to play in the first team rather than just the reserves.

“It’s a big year for me because I’m part of the squad now and not on the outside looking in. People are playing for their places and I’m happy to be part of that.

“With Stuart (McCall), there was a few players you knew would play week in, week out. The gaffer’s not got that situation yet and there are places up for grabs all over the field.”

It has been frustrating watching City’s scratchy performances over the opening month but Osborne believes he is returning to a side that will come good.

“The start of the season is always a bit hit and miss and there are some weird results,” he added. “Hopefully we’ll start finding some form when the season gets rolling a bit and looking more like a contender for getting in the play-offs at least.”