Simon Ainge has all the right credentials to become a top stopper, according to Colin Todd.

The City boss has been impressed with the rookie defender's recent performances after being thrust into the first team.

Todd has already pencilled in Ainge for another back-four role in Saturday's crunch against Bournemouth at Valley Parade, even though Richard Edghill and Ben Parker are back in the equation after injury.

And after catching the eye at Oldham, he is looking for more of the same from the Shipley 18-year-old.

Todd said: "He's done well so far and I expect him to continue with the standard he has shown. If he can carry on in that vein and keep improving then he is going to go a long way.

"I always say you get different pictures from watching people in the first team and he's taken his time. But to go to Oldham was never easy and he came through it with flying colours.

"Simon isn't the tallest but that is not the be all and end all for a centre half. There are other parts of the game that are just as important and he can attack the ball well and looks composed in possession."

Ainge was one of the few players to be spared the manager's anger after City's fourth successive loss. Todd is considering changes for the weekend with Jermaine Johnson likely to regain the right-wing berth after Tommy Black's awful start.