CITY can't expect an easy ride as they look to box off a top-six finish – and that's just from the rest of the squad.

With so much competition for places at Valley Parade, those currently on the outside looking in will maintain the pressure on the starters.

According to Filipe Morais, every training session now resembles an audition between players desperate to win a shirt in the first XI.

The winger expects to be on the bench again at Coventry tonight after three substitute appearances following his long absence through injury – but he has warned that no position in Phil Parkinson's side is safe.

He said: "For the boys not starting like myself, all we can do is show every day in training that if the players in the team aren't on it, we will quickly take your position.

"The tricky situation now is making sure everyone stays on board. But the lads who've not been in the squad have taken it really well. It could be anyone (left out) because the standards are that high.

"They know it's a group effort for us to get over the line. Everyone's helping out. You've got people to come on who are buzzing to be there.

"To get on the bench, you need to be doing really well through the week. There are that many players not making it. Take your foot off the gas and you find yourself out of the squad."

Despite blowing a late lead at Shrewsbury, City are in a strong position with four games left – and Morais believes there is more in the locker.

He said: "I still think we can get better. It's great at this stage of the season that we're getting results but I feel we can do more.

"It's been great timing with a few players coming back, lads being fresh. We're progressing all the time and that's the key at Bradford. We're all on the same page."

Nobody wants to make up for lost time more than Morais, who spent eight months stuck on the sidelines after damaging his knee in pre-season. But he won't go banging on the manager's door to pick him.

The Portuguese wide man said: "I'm not one for that. I just do my talking on the pitch, whether it's in training or in games whenever I can.

"I was saying to Tony McMahon in training the other day that I feel great. For me, it's like the start of the season.

"Every day is about raising standards. The gaffer knows me better than anyone and that I'm ready.

"The season could go on for another five or six weeks and that's what I've prepared for physically. At any time someone could get injured.

"But it's not about me, it's the team and whatever it takes for us to keep winning. We've shown we've moved forward from last season but we can't stand still. We have to keep pushing."