Garry Thompson wants to be a real headache for Phil Parkinson.

The experienced forward hopes his Capital One Cup winner at Watford has given the City boss a painful selection dilemma ahead of Saturday’s trip to Rotherham.

Thompson missed a chunk of pre-season through injury and has been in and out of Parkinson’s plans.

The arrival of Zavon Hines kept him on the sidelines for the league wins over Fleetwood and Wimbledon. But the 31-year-old reckons his Vicarage Road stunner is proof that he is back on his game.

He said: “It’s always tough to come back when you miss a couple of weeks in pre-season. I missed four (friendly) games, which is a crucial time.

“But I’m feeling good now and getting back to where I was. All credit to the staff and (fitness coach) Nick Allamby for helping me do that. The gaffer has been brilliant with me and played me at Notts County and Gillingham. But anyone who was down at the Gillingham game could see I wasn’t 100 per cent and I think the heat took it out of me.

“He decided to freshen things up with the team, which I understand. But I got another chance on Tuesday and I like to think I’ve taken it.”

Thompson got his first run-out at centre forward but had been switched back to the right wing when he crashed the dramatic stoppage-time goal. Parkinson was delighted with his overall contribution.

He said: “Thommo did a really disciplined job when we changed it and put him on the right-hand side, even when he was tired.

“He stopped crosses deep in and around his own box and then was up there to make that winning goal. It’s important to l Continued on Page 35 do the basics right to do your job well and he did that.”

Thompson added: “When the ball falls for you in the box, you’ve just got to think about hitting the target. Luckily for me it found the back of the net.

“It’s a long season and there are going to be chances in the team. It’s all about making sure you take them.”

City will find out tonight who they face in their first third-round appearance since 2001. Parkinson is keeping his fingers crossed for a money-spinner against Premier League opposition.

He said: “You look at the supporters who were there again on Tuesday and the 800 we took to Notts County. They deserve a good tie for those efforts as much as the players and the board of directors.

“Financially it’s really important to get through and we all wait for the draw with great anticipation.”