Mark Yeates is being backed to force his way into City’s starting plans again – by the player who took his shirt.

The Irishman was touted as the big recruit of the summer when he arrived at Valley Parade from Watford.

But after featuring in the first four league games on the left wing, Yeates has had to accept a bit-part role. His last seven appearances have been from the bench since being axed after filling in up front when Nahki Wells was injured.

Yeates netted his second City goal in last week’s draw with Notts County, firing home from the edge of the penalty area within four minutes of coming on. But he was once again on substitute duty at Oldham, where he replaced Garry Thompson for the closing stages.

Kyel Reid usurped Yeates on the left of midfield at Stevenage at the end of August and has been a regular in the side ever since. With Thompson a similar fixture on the opposite flank, it has left the 28-year-old stuck on the sidelines.

But Reid feels that Yeates has plenty to offer and said: “I was really happy for him when he got the equaliser against Notts County. It’s probably not been the best start for him at the club.

“We’re quite close and I get on really well with him. People might think we’re fighting for the same position but in my eyes I don’t see that.

“I see Yeatesy as someone who can play on the opposite flank and give other teams something else to think about. That might give me a bit more freedom as well.

“It was nice for the last few games we’ve managed to be on the pitch at the same time because that hasn’t really happened much.

“But it’s all about competition for places. Everyone’s got to do the best for themselves and you can’t really think about anyone else.

“We’ve got a good squad and there’s a great spirit. Once you’ve got that, you can go a long way.”

Yeates was dropped after an indifferent display at Crawley in mid-October but hopes his recent cameo outings have demonstrated that he is ready to return.

He said: “I was the first to hold my hand up after Crawley. It was just a bad day for everyone and I took it on the chin.

“When you’re on the bench, you want to come on and make some kind of impact. I’ve been champing at the bit.

“Everyone is well aware of how I’m doing and the minute you go on there, you’ve got to prove a point.

“I was involved in the winner at MK Dons and then scored against Notts County. It’s been nice but every player will tell you that nothing beats starting the game after you’ve trained all week.

“The gaffer picks the team and you’ve got to respect that. At some point, hopefully he’ll stick me in there and then it’s down to myself to cement a place.”