BILLY Knott admits playing in the same City side as Devante Cole is a "dream".

Knott has been given a new lease of life with the addition of a young goal-scorer looking to make runs all the time.

The pair combined for a Cole goal at Oldham and were only denied another against Fleetwood when the striker's shot hit the inside of the post.

Ahead of tomorrow's midday showdown with Sheffield United, midfield play-maker Knott reckons he is already on the same wavelength as the 20-year-old sharp-shooter.

Knott said: "When you get the ball and have that time, you give Devante a little bit of eye contact and know where he's going. It's a dream for me.

"I feel we've built up a good relationship even in training. You just know that if you get the opportunity (to play a pass through), then he's gone.

"Even if you don't find him the first time and force it, you know he will go again. He can always make those runs and know that we'll try and pick him out."

With the likes of Cole on board, Knott feels Phil Parkinson has injected more quality into the squad and echoes his manager's views on the strength of the City bench.

Knott said: "As the gaffer says before the game, you have to play well to keep the shirt. You have to make it hard for him to make any changes.

"There's a lot more competition than last season and a lot more quality available.

"We've got Clarkey (Billy Clarke) and Fil (Morais) injured but, in a harsh way, we haven't really missed them. If that had happened last season, we were gone.

"Now we've got the likes of Steve Davies on the bench, who has played at a higher level, Ando (Paul Anderson) is the same; Nathan Clarke with his experience, Brad Jones – it's quite a list.

"We struggled a little bit at the start of the season but it always takes time for new players. It was exactly the same for me when I came in last year.

"I said last year we will aim for the top six but if we don't get there, don't get me wrong, we'll be going for the next season and the gaffer will build again. Hopefully this year we can progress and get there."

After three away games in four, Knott is relishing the chance to return to Valley Parade this weekend. The crowd against the Blades is tipped to break 20,000, even though it is being shown live on TV.

Knott said: "The fans have been scary loud away and we know they are great at our place. It gives you an extra ten per cent when the crowd is singing. Everybody ups their game.

"When they are loud, you see people like Lidds (Gary Liddle) and Darbs (Stephen Darby) flying into tackles, Devante is chasing the keeper down and Hans (James Hanson) is backing him up.

"I love hearing that song about me. It does give me that extra boost.

"To be fair, they won't sing it to you if you're having a bad game. You have to earn it. Some players might like it all the time but I know they'll only sing it if I'm doing okay and that just gets you going."