CITY handed a debut to new signing Alex Bailey on Tuesday after Lee Protheroe was ruled out due to illness. Bailey, aged 24, formerly of Chesterfield and Halifax Town, put in a fine stint at the back defending well and using the ball superbly,

CITY handed a debut to new signing Alex Bailey on Tuesday after Lee Protheroe was ruled out due to illness.

Bailey, aged 24, formerly of Chesterfield and Halifax Town, put in a fine stint at the back defending well and using the ball superbly, highlighting the improved strength of the City squad. Castle is hoping he can keep the current players together. He said: "We will have to make some decisions. I might go and plead with the chairman to see whether we can keep all these lads. It was a gamble to bring in Alex because he hasn't played any football. He did a pre-season down at Bournemouth and he has a very good CV. He has come in to show me what he is all about. It was unfortunate that Lee Protheroe was very, very sick and there was no chance of him playing. Bringing Alex in at right back allowed me to keep that partnership of James Fisher and Ben Martin at centre back and to keep James Quilter in midfield."

Protheroe had performed superbly on his full debut at right back against Eastleigh on Saturday and staked his claim for a regular spot in the side. His inclusion also allowed Castle to switch James Fisher to centre back and move James Quilter into midfield. The tactics paid off as City ran riot and the manager said: "Lee Protheroe was excellent. He is a genuine lad who will do well. I had a chat with James Fisher on Thursday and he was very disappointed with his performances from the start of the season so this will do him the world of good. If he plays like that there will always be a place in the team for him, be it centre back or right back or even as a very good central midfield player which hasn't been seen yet for us."

Southend United youngster Gordon Rieck also made his City debut on Saturday as a second half substitute and looked accomplished in the centre of defence. Rieck, aged 18, has joined on a work experience deal from the Shrimpers.