MARK Hughes reckons the five-sub rule for the new season can play into City’s hands.

The Bantams will still choose from a seven-man bench but no longer be restricted to just three replacements in games.

The EFL have expanded the number available to clubs – who will be able to make their changes across three opportunities, not including half-time.

Hughes views that as a potential plus for his team with the strength in depth he has looked to build up through a busy summer window.

“We think it will be an advantage,” said the City boss. “We’ve got good options obviously whoever starts or comes off the bench.

“My options to change things are a lot better than they were last year, I would suggest. That’s what we wanted to create.

“We’ve got the opportunity to make more changes later in games to try and change the flow at that point.

“You’ve still got to have the right quality to go on. When you make substitutions, they have to make an impact.

“If they are of the right quality technically, in terms of their ability to make an impact, hopefully they are going to affect the opposition markedly.

“You’ve got to have depth. It’s going to be a long hard season and we’re going to have to have any number of players to come in and do a job in the short term or more if we lose anyone for longer.

“Everybody has got to be ready and know what’s expected of them.”

Hughes fielded a strong starting line-up against Sunderland but switched all 10 outfield players during the game as he continues to build up minutes throughout the squad.

Even with a number of absentees, headed by the luckless Abo Eisa, there is competition for places going into the final first-team friendly at Chesterfield this weekend.

Hughes added: “I went strong against Sunderland because we were up against higher opposition.

“I’ve got great options on the bench and, unfortunately, in the treatment room at the moment as well who will play a huge part as the season progresses.

“We’re okay, we’ve got good depth. When I look round at who we can bring on I’m really encouraged by that.

“When players are given a role, they are expected to execute that and I’m more than confident whoever comes in, plays or starts will understand what’s required.

“We’re in decent shape. We’ve gone into the market and got players over the line very quickly.

“As I’ve said before, I didn’t think we’d be at this point in terms of acquisition of players so readily. We are and we’re benefitting from it.”