Dean Furman aims to firm up a place in City’s engine room with a turbo-driven display against Luton on Saturday.

The on-loan Rangers midfielder should get the nod to replace crocked Lee Bullock at Valley Parade.

Furman made his first league start against Shrewsbury and with Bullock out for three to four weeks, the South African rookie is well aware that the opportunity of a regular spot is there for the taking.

He said: “Nobody wishes an injury on anyone but sometimes something happens and there’s a chance.

“It’s up to the person coming in to show what they are all about and take it, which is what I hope to do.

“This is my first real experience of being involved like this and I knew I was going to have to bide my time with the team doing so well.

“Bully and Macca (Paul McLaren) looked good in midfield from the start and it was obvious to anyone that they were the two holding a place down.

“But hopefully I’ve done enough to impress the manager and be involved for the next few games.”

The 20-year-old is currently on loan from Ibrox until January 5, although Stuart McCall hopes to persuade his old boss Walter Smith to extend Furman’s stay for the whole season.

Furman has caught the eye with his energy and positive approach in his early outings. He started in the JP Trophy at Leeds but the Shrewsbury loss marked his full league debut after four appearances from the bench.

He added: “It was a good test for me and I enjoyed every minute of it. It’s great being involved in real games and a lot better than the reserve football I was getting at Rangers.

“I felt for long periods of the Shrewsbury game we were on top, especially most of the second half. Unfortunately Bully’s injury meant we had to change it again at a time when we didn’t really want to reshuffle the pack.”

With two defeats on the bounce, City need to hit back against Luton or risk losing further ground among League Two’s early pace-setters. But Furman is confident that morale has not been affected by back-to-back losses.

He said: “The lads are still strong and there were some positives to come out of the Shrewsbury game.

“With the crowds we’re getting at home, we’re all looking to do big things this season.”