GRAHAM Alexander has praised Brad Halliday’s reaction to being dropped.

Lincoln loanee Jay Benn is likely to keep the starting slot on the right for tonight’s TV game at home to Newport.

Benn replaced reigning player of the year Halliday for last week’s draw at Morecambe and was City’s best outfield performer.

It was a big call to axe Halliday, who was named in the League Two team of the season.

Alexander has been delighted with Benn’s early contribution – and how Halliday has dealt with the personal blow.

“I said right from the start, I have no written-down 11 that starts week in, week out,” said the City boss.

“I have to be the guardian of this squad and give everyone equal opportunity. It has to be around performance.

“Brad’s not come to see me. I think he understands and he’s honest with himself because he’s a top pro.

“All I’ve seen from Brad is a brilliant reaction in training to show that he wants to be in the team. That’s all I can ask for in professional footballers.

“I’ve talked about it in pre-season about having respect. I expect disappointment if you’re not playing but you have to respect your teammates and the people in there.

“Brad has shown the ultimate respect by not bitching and whingeing about not being in the team the other day but training his backside off to get back in.

“That should make them both better players. I’m really happy I’m in this position.

“Jay’s got a lot to prove. He’s only played two games and that was his starting league debut but the potential there is really high.”

Halliday has been a regular in the team since Mark Hughes signed him in 2022. He started 44 league games in his first season and 41 last time.

Alexander added: “This is the first time I really feel we have genuine competition in that position.

“Brad was superb for us last year, there’s no getting away from that fact.

“I don’t think he’s been as good as he was but he did miss a portion of pre-season, which might mean he’s still on catch-up a little bit.

“We brought Jay in to give us that competition. He had his opportunity against Mansfield in the Trophy and I thought he was really good.

“I just felt with what he gives us in an attacking sense, he deserved to play the other day.”

Dropping Halliday has also sent a signal to the rest of the squad that selection will be based on performance not reputation.

“I didn’t do it for that effect but I hope so,” said Alexander.

Jay Benn went close to scoring against MorecambeJay Benn went close to scoring against Morecambe (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“I want them to understand that if I say I’m going to behave in a certain way, then that’s how it’s going to be.

“Ultimately, I want them all to play but I know I can’t do that. I really respect every single one of them.

“We either retained them or brought them here for a reason because we feel they are really good players. But the reality is I can’t play them all.

“It’s only over time where they learn to trust that how you say things is how you do them.

“I would say this would be an example of that.

“The door is open for people and it keeps them on their toes. It keeps them having to perform.

“If we have 20 players in that mindset, then I think we’ll be in a good place at the end of the season.

“Great credit for Jay for taking that opportunity and stepping up to it and great credit to Brad for how he’s reacted.”