City made their first pre-season appearance at Valley Parade this afternoon in an entertaining goalless draw against Blackburn.

New keeper Jordan Pickford played the first 45 minutes but was largely untroubled by the Championship outfit.

City played some neat football with Alan Sheehan constantly bombing forward from left back. Gary Liddle also impressed again in controlling the midfield.

But Raffaele De Vita, still trying to earn a new contract, limped off just before half-time.

City created their best chances after the break with Sheehan twice going close. Mark Yeates was also denied by a fine tip-over from former England keeper Paul Robinson.

Ex-Leeds striker Luke Varney could have nicked it late on for Blackburn but fired over.

Trialists Matt Urwin, Christopher Routis and Mo Shariff – a striker formerly with QPR and Dagenham – were all involved as Phil Parkinson rang the changes in the second half.