Tom Kearney has pledged to hit the goal trail again this season.

The City midfielder has finally got a taste for scoring after getting off the mark in the 2-2 draw against Doncaster.

It was the first time Kearney had hit the target since his days in Everton's youth team. But he does not intend to hang around so long for the next goal.

Kearney, who turns 24 on Friday, said: "I know I should try to score more and hopefully that will start me on my way.

"It's been a long time coming and I haven't even scored in the reserves but I'd like to get a couple more before the end of the season.

"I've had a lot of time out with injuries and not had three full seasons. But this has given me a bit of confidence and I'll try to kick on now."

Kearney left Goodison Park to link up with Nicky Law at City in March 2002 but has played only 48 times as long-term injuries have taken their toll.

He missed a whole year because of a cruciate knee injury and the second half of last season with a double hernia.

"The most important thing for me is to be back playing again," said the midfielder.

"The gaffer gave me the chance ahead of Steve Schumacher and I thought it went reasonably well, although the result took the gloss off it a little bit.

"But we know that nobody's place in the side is guaranteed and that's a good thing.

"Competition is essential and if people are playing for their places then they are going to have to perform better.

"I still feel we should be winning matches like Saturday, especially when you are in a great position at 2-0 up.

"But we have let it slip and now that win has got to come next week against Huddersfield."

Marc Bridge-Wilkinson is not expected to be back for the West Yorkshire derby.

The midfielder, who has not played since Tranmere, is waiting for the results of a scan on the knee he damaged in training three weeks ago.

It has taken longer to heal than initially thought and Colin Todd is not hopeful of his chances for next Monday.

Todd said: "People have got to look at the

fitness levels as well and he has missed quite a few games already."