City are ready to unwrap teenage sensation Joe Brown during the hectic Christmas spell.

The 17-year-old hot prospect made it two goals from two substitute appearances in the LDV Vans Trophy when he headed the consolation at Kidderminster on Tuesday.

Brown, who came on just after half-time, produced a powerful and confident display - which is likely to be rewarded with a first chance in League One.

"Joe has done very well and probably will come into the equation over this period," said Colin Todd.

"It's amazing with Joe because if we go back to last season, I think he was going to be shown the door.

"But he has come back, taken a good look at himself and looks like he could be a natural goal-scorer.

"Dean Windass is a natural and everyone would agree; so is Steve Claridge, although he has not done it at home yet. But Joe just has that instinct and there will be an opportunity for him."

Brown could get his chance with Windass (calf) and Claridge (ricked neck) both injury doubts for the Boxing Day trip to Oldham.

Windass said: "It doesn't look too good at the minute but we've got four days to the game and a lot can change."

Todd intends to handle Brown

carefully, wary of the expectations from the fans. But the City boss has revealed he will turn more and more to the club's youngsters if City's results do not pick up.

"If in two months' time we're not in a position where we can get in the play-offs then I will look at the younger ones," he said.

"But the objective for our senior players is to reach the top six and I think that can happen."