CHRIS LAKEY Dion Dublin is going to have to be content with a place on the subs' bench because of the form of City strike pair Chris Brown and Jamie Cureton. Manager Peter Grant saw Dublin come on and score a brilliant equaliser at Hull, but says there is no reason to change the front line to accommodate the 38-year-old.

CHRIS LAKEY

Dion Dublin is going to have to be content with a place on the subs' bench because of the form of City strike pair Chris Brown and Jamie Cureton.

Manager Peter Grant saw Dublin come on and score a brilliant equaliser at Hull, but says there is no reason to change the front line to accommodate the 38-year-old.

“He has got to earn his place, same as everyone else,” said Grant. “Cureton has scored four and Brown has been exceptional, so I ain't going to change it just for the sake of changing it, we ain't good enough to do that.

“We are here to win games of football every time we play. Dion knows he is at that stage of his career where he can still have a big effect on the game, whether he starts or finishes a game is irrelevant really, but I know he can still effect it wherever he plays.

“He is a big part of the group and has always been in the 16 because he gives me something different. I always think he is a threat anyway. He has trained ever so well, he has had an influence on the game and as soon as he doesn't have an influence on the game he won't be part of the group, simple as that.”

Grant praised Dublin's contribution at Hull and says the veteran is always a potent weapon to bring on off the bench.

“People know he is there and the opposition are frightened of him when they see him come on as well,” he said. “I think that is a big plus to have as a striker. It's the same with Jamie Cureton; they know he is about.”

Dublin's goal, his first of the season and number 226 of his long career, was a brilliant volley from the edge of the area.

“He is capable of that, he is a very good finisher and he has great experience,” said Grant. “I just felt Brown was causing them a problem and we just changed the system a little bit to win the game.

“It was easy enough to change it again and we have thrown another striker (David Strihavka) on so we have ended up with four strikers on the pitch to try and win the game. That's what we are all about - we are trying to win games.”