Rob Wolleaston has been told by Bryan Robson: Play it like you mean it.

The transfer-listed attacking midfielder is suddenly back in from the cold at City.

Wolleaston has found himself in the first-team picture after coming on at Sheffield United for his first action since October.

Robson believes the 24-year-old has the skill to feature regularly in his trimmed-down squad but he has questioned his laid-back approach.

He said: "Rob has some great ability and he has got a good presence about him. But he has got to have more desire about the game if he wants to play First Division football.

"I thought he did okay when I brought him on last week so he will be part of the first-team squad from now to the end of the season. But he has got to show me more in training and games when I use him if he wants to play regularly."

Fans who watch the reserves will have seen Wolleaston destroy Preston's second string last month. He also impressed on a two-game trial for Wimbledon before being recalled to Valley Parade because of the dwindling numbers.

Wolleaston, signed by Nicky Law from Chelsea in July, said: "That was a good experience at Wimbledon. I think they are quite interested but we'll have to see what happens. They aren't in a good situation at the moment to bring in players.

"I'll just keep training and working hard so hopefully I will get spotted."

Before today, Wolleaston had made only eight appearances in a City shirt. All were as substitute - and every one has ended in a defeat.

His last start in a first-team game was in September 2001 when he played on loan for Northampton at Cardiff.

Soon after taking over, Robson told seven players that they were not in his plans. Only Wolleaston and Gareth Edds are still with the club. Frazer McHugh joined Notts County, Luke Cornwall went to non-league Woking, Aaron O'Malley and Patrick Bannister have both been released, while Paul Reid signed for Brighton on deadline day.