Gary Johnson has challenged Cole Skuse to step up to the mantle from the start of season 2008/09.

With Marvin Elliott likely to be sidelined for Saturday's season opener at Blackpool, the City manager has revealed Cole is in pole position to play.

And having made three times as many substitute appearances as starts last term, Gary admits it's a big year for the Bristolian midfielder.

He told bcfc.co.uk: "Cole played against Royal Antwerp and did very well. He's got the same legs as Marvin and it's a season where Cole has to prove himself.

"Cole may get his chance nice and early at Blackpool. He didn't start many games last season and this is his chance to get in and establish himself."

It's also a big season for City's younger players, like James Wilson, Christian Ribeiro, Tristan Plummer, Jennison Myrie-Williams and Frankie Artus.

Gary added: "We've had a number of younger lads come back having summered well. They've come back as men and now they've got to make a play for first team places.

"There have been a couple of [loan] enquiries about our young lads but I just wanted to wait until nearer the start of the season to see who was in and around the first team mix.

"For our young players it's all about league games rather than reserve team matches now. They need that experience and loans could be an option now."