Adam Drury has been hailed as a “terrific example” after solving City’s left back problem.

The experienced Leeds defender has slotted in well in the last two games after seven months without a first-team start.

With James Meredith still a long way off returning, Phil Parkinson would have no hesitation in trying to stretch Drury’s current one-month loan.

The City boss said: “He’s a terrific example of a player who really looks after himself.

“When I spoke to (Leeds manager) Brian McDermott and (his assistant) Nigel Gibbs about him, the message I got back was that he always trains really hard and does extra work.

“Adam always prepares himself right for when he gets the opportunity. He’s shown that in the two games he’s played for us and it’s a great credit to him.

“Brian said to me they are blessed with Danny Pugh and Steven Warnock at left back. Adam is good enough to play but Leeds have just got a lot of options in that position.

“When I spoke to Adam, I quickly detected a player who’s not just content to see out his career and you can tell he’s enjoying it here with us.

“He brings balance to the team and he has got the technical ability to move the ball quickly and give it to whoever’s playing wide on that side. You saw that on Saturday.”

Before last week’s win at Colchester, the former Norwich stalwart had not played a senior game since August 27.

“That’s the concern whenever you bring in a loan player,” added Parkin-son. “You have to consider when they last played.

“But Brian talked about his professionalism and his fitness, so I knew there was more chance that he would fit in well.”

Meredith has not played since New Year’s Day after breaking a metatarsal bone in his right foot in training. He is still wearing a protective boot.

Parkinson added: “James has still got a long road ahead of him. It’s one of those injuries that you cannot rush.

“James has got incredible determination, as he showed last year to recover from glandular fever and get back playing.

“But with this one, you’ve got to wait for the specialist to give the 100 per cent all clear that his foot is up to bearing the weight.”

Parkinson had been juggling Matthew Bates and Carl McHugh as makeshift replacements for the past two months until Drury was signed 11 days ago.

“It was difficult when James got injured and we had a real problem getting a left back in.

“We had a list of players but either clubs wouldn’t let them out or they were young with no experience of league football at all. So we had to wait and be patient to find the right one.”

Meanwhile, Raffaele De Vita is back in full training and Parkinson hopes the winger has put his troublesome thigh problem behind him.

“He needs a good week now but Raf has been running for months and I would have no hesitation on putting him back on the bench.”

Parkinson also confirmed that Mark Yeates was not included among the subs on Saturday because he wanted Chris Atkinson as extra cover for skipper Gary Jones.

“I wanted Gary on the bench but was concerned that he wouldn’t last an hour if needed early, so I had Chris on there as well. We had cover for different positions and it was just a case that Yeatesy had to miss out.”