Garry Thompson has been tipped for an influential role in City’s season despite being snubbed against his old club.

The former Morecambe winger was left unused on the bench for Tuesday’s 3-1 win at Valley Parade .

Phil Parkinson could understand Thompson’s frustration at missing out on a reunion with the side that he propelled into the Football League five years ago with a Wembley goal.

But the City chief stressed that he will have a key part to play in the hectic months ahead.

Parkinson said: “It’s very difficult and I could tell Garry was obviously disappointed he didn’t get on or start the game because it was his old club.

“But Steve (Parkin) and I on the touchline can only make decisions that we feel are right at any given time. I felt Will Atkinson’s more disciplined approach on that right-hand side was the right call.

“Thommo is going to be a big player for us. He’s got to be patient but he will get his chance.

“We’ve got a lot of games coming up and, when he does feature, the supporters will see a really good player.”

Thompson has already made his mark in the Capital One Cup by firing the dramatic stoppage-time winner at Watford. But he has not appeared in City’s starting line-up in the league since playing the first 58 minutes at Gillingham on opening day.

Atkinson and Nahki Wells were sent on in the latest home victory before goalkeeper Matt Duke was used as the final sub when Jon McLaughlin hurt his side.

Parkinson felt Wells bounced back after a poor display from the bench against Barnet as all three replacements contributed to a fourth straight Valley Parade victory.

He said: “Nahki was disappointing on Saturday but I’ve got to say he was back to his best. We need him at his sharpest and when he plays like that, he looks great.

“I thought Will was unlucky not to be in the team after his early-season form. But he hasn’t sulked and made a big contribution.

“And Dukey did well at the end. He’s an experienced keeper and knows how to finish a game off.

“He’s taken the fact that he’s not playing like a man. His attitude in training and around the lads has been absolutely exemplary. He deserved to get a taste of it and might well end up playing on Saturday.

“It’s so important (to have a strong bench). When we sat down in the summer, we wanted a smaller squad but we wanted a squad of players who can all feature.

“It sounds an obvious thing but this time last year there was probably 30-odd players but half of those weren’t good enough for the team. We’re confident of throwing anybody in now and knowing they will do a good job.”