Kyle Nix is poised to step in from the cold and breathe new heat into City's stuttering promotion push.

The busy little midfielder has not started a league game since the opening-day win over Notts County.

But with Omar Daley away on international duty in Jamaica, Nix should get the nod for the left-side job at Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

The 22-year-old was one of City's most consistent performers last term and featured in 40 league games, 31 from the start. His knack of popping up with a goal, particularly away from home, baled out the team on several occasions.

Nix admitted it has been difficult to find himself cast in a bit-part role this time, where the bulk of his appearances have been as a substitute.

Talking to the Telegraph & Argus he said: "It's hard sometimes when you're trying to do well in training every day but know in the back of your mind that you won't be playing on Saturday. You try to keep the same attitude but there's nothing to look forward to during the week.

"I started the first game and we won and my confidence was right up. I really thought I could nail down a place in the team.

"But then they keep winning without you and you have to be patient and wait for another chance. I've still been involved on the bench, although obviously it's not the same.

"It's frustrating but you try not to let it affect how you play on the pitch.

"This time three weeks ago I was looking at the team and thinking that we were never going to lose a game.

"We played really well against Exeter and Port Vale and I thought there was no chance of getting back in. But you're never going to keep up that sort of performance every week and we've hit a bad spell.

"I don't know what the gaffer is thinking but sometimes you need to freshen things up with different players or formations. It keeps people on their toes and hopefully those lads who come in can do well."

Stuart McCall is forced to make at least two changes. As well as Daley, the City boss is also without suspended left back Paul Heckingbottom.

Luke O'Brien will step in while Paul Arnison is expected to return on the right following his thigh injury.

Nix intends to soften the blow of losing Daley's match-winning abilities by turning in his own all-action display to make sure his return to the starting spotlight is not a fleeting one.

He added: "With Omar away, I've got my fingers crossed I'll be back in. If it means coming in and bringing a bit of energy to the team, then that's what I'll try to do.

"I'm not saying I'll go out there if I'm playing and be man of the match but I want to do my bit and give the gaffer a reminder that I'm still there and hungry to get in the team.

"I need to take my chance, whether that's by scoring a goal or just putting in a good performance and helping the team to a win."

Accrington are slipping down the Coca-Cola League 2 after losing five of their last six games. The east Lancashire side have picked up only one point since beating Macclesfield Town on August 23.

Keeper Kenny Arthur, who was stretchered off in the 3-0 win at Valley Parade a year ago, said: "Everyone is worried about it but if you let that affect you in a negative way then that's the wrong away to go about it.

"But we're not idiots with our head in the sand going 'Oh, it's just another result'. That's not the case.

"We're well aware of what's happened but we need to maintain an air of positivity about the place."

Stanley are missing defender Robbie Williams after he was sent off for the second time this season during last week's 2-1 loss at Barnet. On-loan Blackburn midfielder Rostyn Griffiths hopes to recover from the ankle injury that caused him to limp off.