DON’T expect Gary Liddle to turn tentative just because he’s walking a disciplinary tightrope.

Liddle, the rock on which City’s midfield has been built this season, is one yellow card away from a two-match ban.

A tenth booking tonight at Swindon and he would be clear to come back against Reading in the FA Cup quarter-finals a week on Saturday. After that, he faces the horrible prospect of missing the Wembley shoot-out if he slips up.

But Liddle has no intention of watering down his style of play – and certainly won’t go looking for a cheap card.

He has walked a fine line for five games now since the last booking against Colchester. But it has not affected his level of performance and he was outstanding again in the Walsall draw.

Liddle said: “I don’t let it play on my mind. I’ve told myself that if the ball’s there to be won, I’ll go for it.

“The cut-off point is not until the second Sunday in April but it won’t affect me. I won’t change the way I play.

“To be honest, I forget I’m on nine bookings when I go into a game and that’s the best way.

“Otherwise you’d start being a little bit tentative and tip-toe round a bit. You’d not go for tackles, headers and interceptions like usual.”

Liddle has made 34 starts, the third highest in the squad behind Stephen Darby and Rory McArdle. It is a record he is keen to maintain with so much to play for.

He added: “I don’t want to miss a game. The only ones I’ve missed are a couple through injury and another for getting the fifth booking.

“With the run we’re on at the moment, and going for it on all fronts, then I want to be part of it.

“There are lads on the outside who are desperate for a game. If I take my foot off the gas, there’s always somebody else to step in.

“I feel very lucky to have played as many games as I have. I’ve been lucky at every club to do that.

“But I take a lot of pride in the way I look after myself. I strive for consistency and I like to think I’ve found that this year.”

City are paying the price for their on-going cup success with the current rush of rearranged fixtures. But Liddle insists the players are loving the busy schedule.

“There’s always another game round the corner but the training ground is buzzing.

“We’re on the cusp of the play-offs and have fought in that top ten all season, as well as the added bonus of the FA Cup. The lads are in good shape.”