LEE Evans has been forgiven for his rash red card as Phil Parkinson looks to his return to pep up City.

The Welsh midfielder has been sidelined for the last three games after his dismissal at Port Vale.

But he is set to come straight back in at Peterborough on Saturday – possibly alongside another loan recruit as Parkinson continues to work on the emergency market.

Parkinson admitted City have missed the Wolves man in that problematic central area. He feels Evans has paid the price for his momentary lapse when he lunged in on Anthony Grant.

The City boss said: "He's a young player and young players occasionally make mistakes. We weren't happy at the time but he will learn from that.

"It was good to be able to play him in the reserves last week at Fleetwood so we could keep him up to speed."

Evans, who played 85 minutes last Wednesday, will not let the enforced absence influence his style of play.

Arguably the best passer of the ball at the club, he has no intention of toning it down even if the game is not going to plan.

He said: "It's about being brave on the ball. You can't let little things affect you. It doesn't matter if I give the ball away. I've been brought up to get it out of my mind straight away.

"Everyone gives the ball away. Xavi and Iniesta do the same – if they can give it away, I think we're allowed to as well. You aim to make the next touch a good one and then get yourself going again."

Peterborough, who take on West Brom tonight in their FA Cup fourth-round replay, are three points ahead of City in eighth. Parkinson's side are currently six off the last play-off spot.

Evans said: "Nobody is shirking responsibility. You don't become a bad team overnight. There's loads to play for. The ball is still very much in our court.

"You see people's frustrations but when I first came here we were near the bottom of the league.

"There aren't too many easy games in this division but as long as we're at it, we know we can be a match for anyone on our day."