Kevin Keegan has thrown the gauntlet down to Shaun Goater and the rest of Manchester City’s first team after a victorious end to what he described as a “big week”.

Four players returned to action in the 3-1 win against Bradford on Sunday and one of those, Paulo Wanchope, will be competing directly with Goater.

Wanchope, Richard Edghill, Alfie Haaland and Paul Ritchie all proved their fitness and delighted the boss who said he was looking forward to his players fighting for places.

“I said to the players before they went out for the game against Bradford that it is their job to make sure that the ones watching in the stands can’t think that they will get back into the squad automatically,” he said.

“I thought Richard Edghill was superb though I didn’t know if he had 90 minutes in him. I had a few problems like that. On the bench I had Paulo who, if we had got a forward injured early on, then I don’t think he would have lasted. I don’t think he has 90 minutes in him yet. But he gave us a great 15 minutes when he came on, including defending well.”

Goater was replaced by the Costa Rican with 67 minutes gone and City 3-1 up and coasting. The fact he failed to score probably had little to do with the decision, Keegan realising the points were in the bag and using the opportunity to pair Wanchope with Huckerby.

“Between them the three subs who I brought on haven’t had a lot of games, but they are back now and the squad looks very strong,” said the boss. “And we will need that strength as there are a lot of games before April 21.”

The boss was relieved with the win against Bradford which, on the back of a victory over rivals Wolves, moved City into an automatic promotion spot.

“It has been a very big week for us and we will need a few more big weeks if we are to get out of this division,” said Keegan. “We have eight wins out of 11 league games now and I think this week we have shown a different side to our character as we have had to scrap out the results.”

[bul] Manchester City held their annual Christmas party last night and as a result the column, On the Ball with Shaun Goater, will appear later in the week.