ROMAIN Vincelot will leave any rivalry to others but admits today's Valley Parade clash with Bolton underlines why he signed up for City.

The skipper knows that passions will be running high for Phil Parkinson's first return to his former club. It has been an eagerly-awaited date among fans, especially with both sides vying in League One's top six.

Vincelot views it as a chance to bounce back from the midweek misery of Fleetwood – but with over 20,000 expected at Valley Parade, he anticipates the extra tingle that the occasion will bring.

The Frenchman said: "It is special like Sheffield United and a big game and the atmosphere I am sure I will love. The fans will be massive and will push us and it is the kind of game you want to play in, for sure.

"It will be a game like Scunthorpe and Sheffield United with a bit extra because of the position of Bolton in the table and our position.

"I love that feeling (of anticipation) and try to always have it because all games have to mean everything to us and for me personally.

"Of course, when there is a game at home it is easy because there is always a big crowd and they will be a massive help."

Vincelot joined from Coventry in the summer in the wake of Parkinson's exit for Bolton. He was the marquee signing in the glut of new arrivals once Stuart McCall took command.

The versatile French player can understand the buzz surrounding Parkinson's appearance on the touchline but will not allow it to distract from the job of reviving City's play-off fortunes.

Vincelot said: "For him, it will be big and for the fans as well. But for me, it does not make any difference.

"The crowd will be behind us massively because of the game and maybe because of the manager. But that is their stuff. For me and for the players, I don't think it matters much.

"You can see that there is something between both sets of fans. But as a player, this will be a big game in the same way as the next 14 will be. They are up there as well but otherwise it is nothing really special.

"We need to get what we deserve and there have been too many occasions where we have dropped points. If you look at the whole season, it has been a frustration.

"But in saying that, we need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture and we see we are right there.

"We need to take the frustration and try to address the little bit which isn't going our way – but still be very positive because of where we are, which is a good position."

Filipe Morais was in the City side that drew 0-0 with Scunthorpe on Boxing Day in front of Valley Parade's largest audience so far of 21,874. Yet this afternoon he will be lining up in Bolton colours.

Vincelot said: "Things change quickly in football and it is not something too strange because it happens quite often. It is going to be good to see him – after, not during the game.

"The Tuesday game was very hard to take – but that is football and you have to bounce back very quickly and this is the kind of occasion that lifts you up naturally.

"It will be a challenging game as they are a big, physical side, so it is up to us to be ready for it. We need to stay cool – but not too cool."