SKIPPER Stephen Darby makes his Valley Parade return tonight as Stuart McCall tries to use the much-derided Checkatrade Trophy to City’s advantage.

The inclusion of 16 Premier League and Championship academy sides has been met with an angry response by fans nationwide.

City host Stoke under-23s in the first game of their group which also includes Bury and Morecambe.

McCall admits he has “not given it much thought” but instead sees the match as a useful exercise for players in his squad needing a game.

Top of that list is Darby, who will play some part for the first time since his summer treatment to resolve a long-standing groin problem. Matt Kilgallon is also ready to play a half after building up his fitness.

McCall said: “The thing from our point of view is that it’s a good game for us to give the likes of Darbs and Killa a bit of playing time.

“Reece Webb-Foster will also have a chance and we’ll start young Ellis Hudson and Kwame Boateng. We’ll look at a few other young lads as well.

“The reserve league doesn’t start until next week so it will be good to see some of our young boys mixed in with some of the experienced lads.

“I hadn’t been in long when the draw for this was made and I thought it was still a single tie. I didn’t realise it was a group.

“But then I thought it was going to be over a short period of time, which would not been easy. It’s all right for us at the moment that the games are spread out and not altogether.

“It’s something different they are trying and I haven’t got major views until I’ve seen how it works.”

Darby’s last game was the play-off exit at Millwall in May. He was on the bench at the weekend although McCall planned to hold him back for a 45-minute appearance tonight.

McCall said: “Darbs has worked terrifically and so has Killa. The next step up from training is a game.

“We’re fortunate to have two quality right backs, Tony McMahon has been excellent and I know what Stephen has done while he’s been here. He has been a huge player for this club.

“It will be nice for him to get out on that Valley Parade turf again. It’s a decent game without being over-pressurised in front of 16,000 people so it will be good to bed back in.”

Left winger Hudson recently scored a stunning solo goal for the youth team against Grimsby. The second-year apprentice is marked as a prospect for the future.

Right back Boateng joined City for their pre-season training camp in Scotland and featured in several friendlies.

McCall added: “Phil (Parkinson) had them in at the end of last season joining in training with the squad and we’ve done the same.

“It’s a big opportunity for Ellis. He’s one from the youths that we’ve got hopes for and he’s certainly showed up well.

“Kwame has been with us in Scotland so we know all about him. Young Niah (Payne) will also get a run-out at some point.”

The rules have changed slightly from the previous format but City must still play five first-team regulars to avoid a £5,000 fine. McCall memorably paid out of his pocket after fielding an under-strength side at Doncaster in his first year in charge.

German keeper Rouven Sattelmaier will make his first senior appearance and Vincent Rabiega is likely to be involved at some stage after coming off the bench on Saturday.

The prize money for the competition has been bumped up from £500,000 to £1.95 million – with £10,000 for winning a group game.

If the match is level after 90 minutes, there will be a penalty shoot-out for a bonus point.

CITY (possible): Sattelmaier; Boateng, Dieng, Knight-Percival, Meredith; Morais, Law, Devine, Hudson; Webb-Foster, Hiwula.