CITY players can expect more team-sheet surprises as Derek Adams shows he is happy to shake things up.

Eyebrows were raised when Levi Sutton did not even make the 18 for last weekend’s draw with Walsall.

Having returned from injury with a solid half-hour outing against Lincoln in the Papa John’s Trophy, the combative midfielder had been expected to feature.

But instead, Sutton did a pre-match training work-out on the pitch with the three youngsters City are looking to send out on loan before watching the game from the stand.

Adams confirmed afterwards that he had been fully fit but was not selected.

And the Bantams chief has since explained his decision – one that proves no place can be taken for granted.

Adams said: “If you look at the make-up of the bench, we obviously had two defenders on there, two strikers, a wide player and a central midfielder.

“It was just unfortunate for Levi on the day that he missed out.

“You want the competition for places all over the field and we’ve certainly got that.

“With Finn (Cousin-Dawson) coming back from international duty that will provide more and we’ll have to see how he gets on.”

Yann Songo’o was a regular under Adams at Morecambe last season but did not come off the bench against the Saddlers.

Adams stuck with goal-scorer Elliot Watt and Gareth Evans in the middle before shifting Alex Gilliead across when he brought on winger Ollie Crankshaw.

Songo’o warned previously that Adams likes to keep players “on their toes” with his selection.

“No place is guaranteed,” he said soon after signing for City. “At every club I’ve been with him, there’s not one player who will always get the shirt.”

City are still waiting to hear if there will be any takers for Reece Staunton, Kian Scales and Jorge Sikora on loan. None have been involved so far this season and the club hope the trio can get some regular game-time in non-league.

Adams said: “We’ve sent out their availability to all the National League clubs. But there’s no news at this moment in time.”

Defender Cousin-Dawson is back in training today after a week away with Northern Ireland under-21s.

He was on the bench for both Euro 2021 qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia – and came on for his competitive debut in stoppage-time in Tuesday’s 1-0 win in Lurgan.

City are preparing to face Gary Bowyer’s big-spending Salford, who have won only one of their six opening games.

But Adams added: “There’s no doubt they are one of the best squads in the division. If you look at the chances they have created, they should have won their game at Carlisle last week."