BIRTHDAY boy Billy Knott is pleading for a chance to prove he is no passenger on City’s travels.

The midfielder, 23 today, put in a top-notch display against Coventry in midweek as the Bantams extended their impressive unbeaten streak.

But he is still sweating on a starting spot for this afternoon’s clash at fellow high-flyers Walsall.

While Knott has been an integral part of City’s improving record at Valley Parade, he is used sparingly in away games.

Phil Parkinson prefers to partner Lee Evans with the more consistent Gary Liddle as the central duo on the road.

Knott has not started away in the league since the end of September when the Bantams were beaten 2-0 at Colchester – their last defeat.

But he insists he has developed that “ugly” side of his game to compete in hostile environments.

Knott said: “Last season I had the same situation with Andy Halliday but I probably didn’t have the defensive side to my game then.

“That’s what I’ve worked the hardest on since. People watching me this season compared with last will have seen that I can make tackles now and win my headers.

“That’s what I’ve had to do to prove to the gaffer that I can play away from home. I’m confident I can do that.

“It’s not my fault if I’m not getting picked. That’s obviously his decision.

“The gaffer is the boss. He picks the team and you can’t argue with it.

“But I believe myself that I can do it home or away. There is an ugly side to football that I need in my game to be the player I want to be anyway.

“I’ve been working hard on that and feel I have improved in that area. There’s no reason why the gaffer should have any doubts about putting me in away from home.”

Knott, who was an unused sub at Scunthorpe last weekend, has made only five of his 13 starts this season away from Valley Parade. The most recent was in the goalless draw at Aldershot in the FA Cup earlier this month.

He added: “Everyone knows my personality and it frustrates me a lot when I’m not in the team. Sometimes I’ve deserved it.

“At the moment the gaffer seems to be chopping and changing the midfield for what he sees fit for the opposition.

“You’ve just got to do what you can in training and when you get the chance. I felt I did okay the other night in a team that played very well.

“But if you’re not picked, you’ve got to put the disappointment to one side and then hope the boys get the result. But I want to be in that team doing all I can to help them.”