Keith O'Neill could be the next new face at City in Bryan Robson's revolution.

O'Neill, currently without a club since being released by Coventry, was spotted in the crowd at Walsall on Saturday.

He was sat in the main stand next to Wayne Jacobs, Gareth Edds and Robert Wolleaston and travelled back on the team bus afterwards.

The 27-year-old left-sided midfielder played under Robson at Middlesbrough for two years.

Robson signed him from Norwich for £700,000 in March 1999 and he featured in 54 games for Boro scoring four goals.

O'Neill joined Coventry in August 2001 but the Sky Blues let him go six weeks ago after playing only once this season.

Like fellow Dubliner Gareth Farrelly - Robson's first loan signing - O'Neill has been capped by the Republic of Ireland.

City have been linked with a string of players since the new boss took over and Robson admits the squad still needs strengthening.

Lewis Emanuel played the wide left role at Bescot Stadium and did well but there are few other natural options. Ben Muirhead has been given the job but he is right-footed.

City's 1-0 loss to Walsall left them firmly entrenched in the relegation zone. But despite his first defeat in charge, Robson was happy with the performance.

"It all boils down to not taking our chances," he said. "But that happens in football and on another day, the players will put them away.

"I was pleased with the way we passed the ball and the movement was good.

"When you're down the bottom of the league, normally you get some players who hide away a little bit and don't want the responsibility.

"But everybody was ready to accept the pass. The boys gave it their all and there were encouraging signs ahead of the tough games coming up against West Brom tomorrow and Wigan."

l Yesterday's FA Cup third-round draw handed City a home tie against Luton on January 3.

City, who have lost their last five cup ties, will fancy their chances of making progress - and much-needed revenue - by seeing off Second Division opposition.

But after recent League Cup defeats against so-called minnows Wrexham and Darlington, they will not be getting carried away.

"In the FA Cup you can only be pleased with a home draw, and it gives us a realistic chance of getting through," said Robson.

"The FA Cup has been a great competition for me and I would love to take Bradford as far as I possibly can in it."