STUART McCall has told City’s fast-starting frontmen: Don’t let your standards drop.

Omari Patrick and Dominic Poleon have laid early claim to the attacking role while Charlie Wyke recovers from a hamstring injury.

Alex Jones also got off the mark in the Carabao Cup loss to Doncaster, which saw Paul Taylor make his first appearance from the bench.

But it’s the partnership of Patrick and Poleon that has put down a marker – and earned a challenge from their manager.

McCall said: “They’ve set their standards and have got to keep to them. It’s no good just producing once in a blue moon.

“We need to find a blend up front. The two there were very good in the second part of Tuesday’s game.

“Jonesy coming on and getting a goal was important for him definitely.

“We’ve also got Charlie to come back and we need to get minutes into Tayls. We’ll be a good threat going forward.”

Wyke’s recovery is coming on well but he will not be ready for consideration for Saturday’s trip to Gillingham.

His absence means City have had to adapt their play to coping without a targetman. Both Blackpool and Doncaster fielded three centre halves against them which has condensed the space for the strikers to work in.

McCall added: “It’s hard to find any room when people play five at the back. You’ve got to look after the ball, be strong and find little ways to work things.

“After the initial period, we did that better against Doncaster and there was some good link-up play.

“Look at the goal. Omari did terrifically well for it and Dom’s shown his power.

“But that’s what he does. If you look at his goals for Wimbledon last year, he’s not a passer, he gets in there.

“He was unfortunate on Saturday with a couple of decent efforts as well.

“We look forward to going to Gillingham. It’s how we recover now physically and then having the long journey but hopefully we can put in a really strong performance.

“I was more pleased on Tuesday than I was after Blackpool with certain people and certain parts of our play.”

City decided not to appeal against Romain Vincelot’s red card. That means Matt Kilgallon will return at centre half as the skipper begins his three-match ban.

The recruitment hunt for a right-sided defender goes on but continues to hit stumbling blocks.

On-loan left back Tom Field made his debut on Tuesday.

McCall said: “It was difficult for Tom and I think he’ll play better.

“He was hot and cold. He did some good things and was a little nervy at times.

“But again he only came down to training at 11.45am on Monday. We need to get him up and running.

“It’s hard when you’ve just come in and he’ll be better for having a game under his belt. Hopefully he’ll get stronger in the coming games.”