TONY McMahon has hailed the imminent return of Stephen Darby and Rory McArdle as “new signings” for City.

McMahon has skippered the side in Darby’s absence to seven points from their opening three games.

Both defenders joined the squad for some ball work for the first time on Thursday as they step up their recovery from summer treatment.

The duo are not expected back for a few weeks and will need some game time when the reserve fixtures begin next month.

But McMahon, deputising ably for Darby at right back, feels their presence on the training pitch is a timely boost.

He said: “It was great to see them outside on the grass with us again. It’s a long season and we’re going to need everyone.

“To get those lads back will be a real bonus. They are like new signings because they’ve been doing their own thing all pre-season and not been involved.

“They are great pros, who were such a big part last year and have been ever since they joined the club.

“They will be chomping at the bit. Having been out this week they’ll probably want to be involved straight away.

“I’ve been in that position many times coming back from injuries. As soon as you get back out on the grass you think you’re fit but it’s going to take time.”

McMahon has returned to his natural defensive role after Phil Parkinson used him chiefly at right midfield last season. The experienced campaigner is happy to fit in wherever he is wanted.

“To be honest, it doesn’t really bother me where I play,” he added.

“Phil used me centre of midfield and right wing last year.

“My normal game when I play right back is to get forward as much as I can anyway. But I’m a defender first and foremost and it’s about keeping clean sheets.”

City were within sight of a fourth straight shut-out when Ed Upson scrambled home a stoppage-time consolation at MK Dons. McMahon admitted his annoyance at conceding for the first time.

“It took a bit of the gloss off it because we’d been so solid with everything they’d chucked at us. Then one comes off the bar and just falls to their lad to tap it in.

“But overall from start to finish we did really well and passed them off the park in the first half.”

The back-to-back away wins have set up City nicely for their return to Valley Parade against Coventry this afternoon.

McMahon is delighted with the early form, considering the absentees, which contrasts with the way they struggled through the first two months of last season.

He said: “Last year it was the start that let us down. We didn’t have that many points from the first ten games and ended up falling short because of that and in the play-offs.

“The start has been great and there’s a buzz around the place – but it is only a start. We’re three games in and there’s a long way to go.

“But we’re on top of our game, playing well as individuals and sticking together as a team.

“Vince (Romain Vincelot) has had to play centre half and has slotted in like he’s played there all his career.

“Josh (Cullen) has started from where he left off with really good form. But it’s hard to pick out individuals.

“We know we’re short on numbers because of injuries. When everyone gets back fit we’ll have a good, healthy squad.”