GARY Bowyer believes City’s vastly-experienced strike duo are proving they are as hungry as ever to make a success of their Valley Parade move.

James Vaughan and Clayton Donaldson have scored five goals between them so far after Donaldson was credited with the equaliser in the comeback win over Northampton.

The pair were the star names among the 15 signings that Bowyer made during the summer transfer window – and they are both living up to their billing.

The City boss said: “They were the conversations we had with them. With Clayton being the local lad as well, he wanted to do something about that.

“They are good players first and foremost and have been great off the pitch as well, as I’ve said many a time.

“But we need the ball going in the box for them and then they can show their experience and know-how. We’re just happy that they are getting the goals as well.”

Donaldson’s first goal in front of the Kop was initially awarded as an own goal from Northampton defender Michael Harriman. But the striker fiercely claimed it was his – something the EFL backed up after the game.

Bowyer added: “We were surprised that it wasn’t given to Clayton at the time.

“We went through it with the players and he said, ‘yeah, it’s mine’.

“I thought it was because of the way he went running after the ball. His attitude and body language was great because we wanted to win the game.

“Others went off celebrating but he went and fetched the ball and put it back down on the spot ready to go again.

"His mindset was all designed to going on to win.

“I felt the pair of them had been a handful first half anyway and we asked the rest to back them up. They certainly did that."

Shay McCartan continues to build up towards a first-team return after playing 45 minutes in a private training game.

Callum Cooke featured for an hour and Aramide Oteh, who turned 21 yesterday, scored twice as Bowyer looks to increase the match fitness within his squad.

“We’ve got a few at the moment who we just need to be patient with," said Bowyer. "We need to give them more game time, get them fit and up to the level.

“Then they can make a massive impact.

“For some, it might take one, two or three games and for others a bit longer.

“But that’s what you get when the window is still open in the season.”