GRAHAM Alexander has insisted that Bobby Pointon is firmly in his plans this season.

Pointon came off the bench to score City’s third goal in the Valley Parade win over Bromley at the weekend with a trademark strike from the edge of the box.

That has heightened the call from fans to start the Low Moor prospect, who has been a substitute in the first four games.

Alexander admits he is spoiled for choice with options – and the 20-year-old is very much in his thinking.

“I could name six or seven players here that I could make a case for being in the team,” said the City boss.

“But unless they change the rules and it’s not 11 players, that’s the issue for me.

“It’s not even an issue, it’s something where I have to make good, honest decisions on everything from pre-season and the lot.

“We’re trying to get a consistency about what we do.

“But we know of Bobby’s quality, Clarke Oduor’s quality, Jamie Walker’s – people like that.

“I don’t want to go through everyone of them but we’ve got numerous good players on the bench and up in the stand at the moment.

“It’s not over the amount because obviously we are making inroads into that.

“But I think we want to be able to turn round at any point in the game and see a bench full of quality, knowing we can change things either with defensive or attacking improvement or just keep the stalemate.

“That’s why I’ve got great confidence in the players that are there.”

Pointon was among those who caught the eye in last week’s behind-closed-doors game – an opportunity for the players not starting to get some competitive minutes.

Alexander added: “There were some really stand-out performances from that and the way the team played.

“They all played 90 minutes. We have to get them all up to speed.

“Bobby’s the same as everybody else. He’s got as much of an opportunity to play.

“He’s a young player who we rate highly. That’s why we gave him a new contract.

“I think the position he plays in really suits him. He gets it tactically as well and it was another great finish.”

Olly Sanderson, Oduor and Walker also came on in the second half against Bromley and Alexander repeated the message that plenty will get their chance.

“We’re not going to be successful with just 11 players.

“We’ve gone into the data of appearances and starts about promotion-winning teams and they are all using 22-23 players. There are hardly any that have played 40-plus starts in those squads.

“The players are gradually buying into it. I understand there’s always going to be frustration when they’re not playing.

“I get that and wouldn’t expect or even hope for anything else.

“All I’m fussed about is that there’s respect for their teammates and for the team and they are ready to come on and perform like they did.

“But there will be bumps along the road, we know that. As long as they behave in the right way about it, then I don’t think there will be any problems.”