CITY are reaping the benefits from a more "mature" Mark Yeates this season, according to Phil Parkinson.

The Irishman was magnificent in Tuesday's draw against leaders Bristol City and looked a real creative force when the visitors were on the attack.

But it was his work at the other end of the pitch helping out his defence that particularly caught his manager's eye.

Parkinson said: "He's working hard for the team, first and foremost. Look at the number of times he got back in the right position and you need that when you're away from home.

"When I had him at Colchester, I wouldn't have played him in a 4-4-2 away from home. In a game like this, I'd have probably gone 4-5-1.

"Now there's more maturity in his performance. He got in some good positions to help the defence and on top of that he did some tremendous things going forward.

"When you work as hard as that, you get a lot of plaudits from your team-mates.

"I still feel that there's more to come from Yeatesy but I'm really pleased with him."

Parkinson can also see the confidence returning to Billy Clarke's game after he scored his second goal for the club.

The City boss said: "He needed that. Billy lives for his football and loves the game but he needed a goal.

"Sometimes it can be hard for him because he does a lot of great link play. I thought he sat too deep on Saturday but generally a lot of things go through him and he sets the ball wide.

"But that was a good finish for him and will do him good.

"You think about all the hard work everyone put in for the game the other night.

"Confidence levels had been knocked and we were going to play the top of the league. But the staff worked very hard to get the players bright and the team responded so well."