TONY McMahon insists he will not give up his City place without a scrap.

The experienced utility man has forced his way back into the side after missing a chunk of the opening month with a virus.

McMahon has played the last two games at Colchester and Rochdale and was on the team sheet for the postponed JP Trophy tie in midweek.

"It has been stop-start for me too much this season," he said.

"I'm back in the team now and desperate to hang on to the shirt. Competition for places is huge here and everyone wants to play.

"I played in another position at Rochdale but I put a shift in as it has to be all about the team.

"The (international) lads are away but it gives people opportunities to step in. We have a good squad and a big squad.

"Everyone can start. I'd imagine our bench is one of the strongest in the league.

"Everyone wants to play and we all know one bad performance and you can be back on the bench."

After last season's successful loan stint, McMahon arrived permanently in the summer from Blackpool – who City would have been facing today.

He started the opener at Swindon but looked sluggish as the effects of a bug drained him of energy.

McMahon said: "I wasn't myself for a couple of games. I am usually hyper-active but things just weren't right.

"I went home after (the last pre-season friendly at) Burnley and was laid up for two weeks. I couldn't do a thing.

"It was frustrating because I was fit and flying after working hard in the summer. I couldn't wait for the season and started the first game, which is what everyone wants to do – especially after signing in the summer.

"But then I missed those weeks and was out of the team because the lads were playing well. I had to be patient."

City head into the free weekend on the back of their 3-1 win at Rochdale. McMahon, who was given a new role in right midfield, admitted it had been crucial to bounce back after successive defeats.

He said: "Rochdale was a big result. The mood was massively different in training on Monday and the smiles were back on faces.

"Three defeats would have been a bit of a low for us but now confidence is back and we know what is required.

"We knew it would be high tempo at Rochdale but our quality came through, as did our fitness. I felt we looked much fitter late on.

"The support at Rochdale was one of the best I have played in front of away from home for a long time. At the end of the game, the hairs were standing up on the back of my neck. I'll never forget that.

"I had the fans on my side (of the pitch) in the first half and they were probably wondering what I was doing out so wide. But it was a good day."