WINGER Hassan Sulaiman took the plaudits for a lively start to the campaign as City sparkled without collecting the points in their opening fixtures. Manager Steve Castle fought successfully to keep the former Arsenal trainee at the club in the summer

WINGER Hassan Sulaiman took the plaudits for a lively start to the campaign as City sparkled without collecting the points in their opening fixtures.

Manager Steve Castle fought successfully to keep the former Arsenal trainee at the club in the summer and Sulaiman was involved in most of City's best approach work in the two opening matches. Castle praised his efforts but is also looking for more from the winger. He said: "I cannot speak highly enough of Hassan and what he is doing. He has got his head down and got on with things. He quite rightly deserves the praise because he is the man creating a lot of those chances. We are working with him to get him finishing off his own chances as well."

Midfielder Paul Bruce has completed his suspension but remains unavailable for selection until September due to work commitments. New signings Ben Bowditch and Sean Ridgway have formed the central midfield combination in the absence of last season's key midfield trio Clarke, Bruce and Luke Thurlbourne. Castle believes Ridgway and Bowditch work well together. He said: "Ben Bowditch is a talented footballer and makes things happen. He puts himself in a very similar position to what a Luke Thurlbourne does, only he is not quite as aggressive. Sean Ridgway has competed well and he will score goals from midfield.