FILIPE Morais insists his short-term future at Valley Parade is not proving a distraction.

The Portuguese winger will be hoping for a bigger role in City’s showdown with Sheffield United at Valley Parade on Saturday.

Morais started in the last home win over Crewe, claiming an assist in Gary Liddle’s goal, but was back to bench duties against Barnsley.

The 28-year-old joined at the start of the season in a deal that runs out at the end of December. But he does not see that approaching deadline as adding any pressure.

He said: “Even if I was on a two-year deal, it’s like that in football. You can never get comfortable because there’s always someone trying to take your place.

“I can speak for everyone in the team. No position is set in stone.

“We haven’t got the numbers but I think there is the quality to step in. You can’t afford to relax.

“I don’t think about the contract because I know if I’m doing my best to get in the team, then that will take care of itself.

“I just focus on producing and giving my absolute maximum in training every day. I know if I do that, performances will come.”

City returned to the diamond midfield at Oakwell after playing an orthodox 4-4-2 the previous week. Morais believes there should be enough versatility in the squad to be able to switch between systems.

“I think we will change our shape all season so everybody has to be ready. We’ve got the players who can play in different positions.

“Obviously being on the wing comes easy to me because I’ve done it more in my career.

“But I play the right of a diamond sometimes in training. The more and more I play in that position, the better I feel I can get.

“It’s good for the managers to have players who can adapt.”

Liddle is suspended for the Blades clash and City are still keeping their fingers crossed on James Hanson’s recovery after a month out.

Matty Dolan, who came through a private friendly on Tuesday, is pushing Morais for a recall in midfield. Phil Parkinson could also considering pushing centre half Christopher Routis into a more advanced role.

Morais added: “When there are changes, we’ve shown there are players who can step in.

“I don’t think there’s ever been a case of just filling in. Chris Routis was fantastic when he played and he’ll be chomping at the bit.

“Everyone adapts. If Hanson doesn’t play, wingers have to vary your crosses – you try to put them in with more pace and a bit lower, rather than hanging looping balls that he likes to drift on to.

“We’ve got a really good team spirit. I know a lot of players say that about clubs but we do have an environment here that when you make changes, you don’t get a big sob story and a huff from the player going out.”