Donovan Ricketts is ready to step out of Paul Henderson's shadow.

The on-loan Jamaican stopper is still waiting for his first City game - after taking four months to make an appearance at Valley Parade.

But Colin Todd has hinted that Ricketts, who finally made his home debut for the reserves on Tuesday, could soon come into the frame.

Todd said: "The boy has been very patient because he has seen Paul doing well. But with a hectic period of matches coming up, he has just got to be ready - the door will open for him.

"I don't regret bringing him over. It's good to have two quality keepers at the club.

"We know what he can do, although it was good for him to have a game in the stadium this week.

"But the internationals for Jamaica have certainly helped to keep Donovan focused while he waits for a chance here."

Ricketts has featured more often in World Cup qualifiers for the Reggae Boyz than with City. He has played only twice for the reserves, as well as a closed-doors-friendly in pre-season at Middlesbrough.

He was expected to be first-choice stopper after signing on a year's loan from Village United. But with his work permit held up, Henderson, pictured, stole in to claim the jersey.

The Australian arrived on City's doorstep near the end of pre-season after being released following a week with Blackpool. He has been an ever-present so far and has looked an inspired capture.

But there has been the odd sign in recent weeks that his first campaign as a pro is beginning to catch up with him.

City have not kept a clean sheet since they beat Barnsley on October 2 - ten games ago.

And with the frenetic Christmas period approaching, when City play four times in eight days, Ricketts will be primed in case there is a change.

Todd said: "Results hide certain things. When you are winning games, then you don't always notice other areas.

"But the team are capable of keeping clean sheets. We let in an 88th-minute goal against Rushden and it was even later than that at Brentford.

"That was a horrible feeling because, although we still won the game, to have come off with a clean sheet would have given everybody a tremendous boost."

Darren Holloway will not be risked for Tuesday's trip to Bournemouth.

The right back missed the Oldham game with a thigh strain and has not been able to train since.

Todd added: "If not playing him means that he will be all right for the games we've got coming up, then we will probably leave him out."