GRAHAM Alexander says City are seeing proof of the depth in their squad.

After naming an unchanged team for the first three league games, injuries are having an impact on the manager’s selection.

Alexander insisted at the end of the summer window that there was enough quality in the ranks to deal with the rigours of the season.

And he feels the emphatic result and performance in the EFL Trophy at Mansfield in midweek underlined that confidence – and reminded the regular starters there are others eager for their chance.

“It’s about actions and what they see,” said the City boss.

“I can’t talk about competition and then play the same team game in, game out and stick with 11 favoured players. I don’t see the group like that.

 

 

“I believe there are many good players in our squad.

“Some are at different levels of their career. Some are in their 30s with hundreds of games under the belts, others are right at the start.

“We value them all and think they are all quality players.”

City made eight changes in midweek, as they had done in the first Trophy group game against Newcastle under-21s.

Alexander also switched to a 4-4-2 – something he is likely to stick with against Wimbledon this afternoon – because of the current defensive casualty list.

“I was reasonably confident that the individuals would play in a certain way. It was just how they came together in a different formation and that’s what pleased me most.

“It’s important that players understand the competition. We talk about it all the time.

“We train in a competitive way, so it’s an open market for players to go, ‘I’m going to stamp my authority this week and get in that team.’ “We give them that opportunity and it’s down to the players to take it.

“Certainly, they took the opportunity on Tuesday to showcase what they can do. It was a real good watch.”

Richie Smallwood, Alex Pattison, Vadaine Oliver and keeper coach Colin Doyle provided plenty of know-how in a young team. Alexander said the mix of youth and experience worked well together.

Vadaine Oliver and Joe Adams are at opposite ends of their careerVadaine Oliver and Joe Adams are at opposite ends of their career (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“There was a lot of youth and inexperience but still good quality and motivated, fit players.

“That’s why that spine down the middle – Colin Doyle, the two centre midfielders Patto and Richie and Vadaine up front gave us real good experience and leadership.

“But the players around them were superb. I feel when we recruited the squad and put it together we had good experience but also good youth.

“I believe they can bounce off each other and help each other. It’s not just about giving experience to the younger ones, it’s the other way as well.

“I think they can give them a vitality and a freshness about this sport and this game.

“There was a real energy about our team and it was great to see.”