PHIL Parkinson today held up Chris Routis as the perfect example of why City are happy to trawl through trialists in pre-season.

Eight have been used in the club’s opening two friendlies and they might throw in another one against St Mirren this afternoon. Parkinson is also considering running the rule over a couple more next week.

He said: “We’ve got a chance of one or two more coming in Monday but we’re taking our time. It’s a long season.

“We want to get the dynamics of the squad right and get the balance and competition for places.

“Sometimes nothing comes from trialists. But for the cost of a hotel room, it’s worth doing – especially with boys from abroad.

“We can watch them on our Wyscout (internet) system which we did with Chris before he came over. We knew what he was all about.

“But judging them with your own players is another thing. That’s what we try and do with all these lads.

“We don’t bring them in completely blind; we’ve got some idea of what they can do.”

Routis first got his chance in a makeshift side that faced non-league Ossett Town in last year’s pre-season.

He impressed Parkinson enough in training and the other warm-up games for City to offer the Frenchman a full contract.

Brought in initially at centre half, Routis is now seen as a developing midfield player after the club took up the option in his deal for a second season.

Parkinson added: “Chris has got so much to his game and he’s a very good professional.

“We invited him over last year and took our time with him because we wanted to make sure. Now we feel we could have a good player on our hands.

“He’s still got a lot to learn but he has a real desire to do that and get better.

“We’re playing him in midfield because he’s got so many attributes for that position.

“He’s got incredible athleticism, technical ability with the ball, can shoot with both feet and is very comfortable in possession. It’s not like playing a centre back in midfield.

“We’re looking at him in there and he’s relishing the role.”

City head back to England after today’s game and Parkinson insists they have seen the value of the week away. Their remote Bishopton base not far from Glasgow is where the Scottish national team train before internationals.

He said: “The training has gone well and the lads have been terrific. It’s very relaxed around the hotel and we’ve enjoyed our stay.

“It’s always beneficial to get away in pre-season. It’s a good chance for the staff to discuss the squad and get the feel of the characters.”