I HAVE to say that City's excellent 11-match unbeaten run has taken me a bit by surprise, Graham Ford.

Last Saturday's superb win against a Forest side buoyed up by the return of their legend Martin O'Neill as manager in front of a full house has set the bar even higher. It's the City defence that is the bedrock of this run and it's an area where they have ample cover in case of injuries and suspensions.

Any two of Webster, Wright, Baker and Kalas is a strong pairing and with Kelly and DaSilva competing in the left-back position and Hunt and Pisano on the right, City have genuine strength in depth for a run at the play-offs.

The forward strength is much thinner and there is nobody to cover the physical presence of Diedhiou. Trying to find strong cover in this window is likely to be beyond their budget unless there is an inspired signing .

City are growing in confidence . The winning goal on Saturday was well worked and finished by Diedhiou. Weimann was unlucky to have his earlier strike ruled out for offside. City were well worth their win and now are just two points off the play-off spot. They have crept up quietly in the last few weeks, but now they are on everybody's radar and it will become harder.

Another Chelsea loanee in Palmer has fitted in well and he seems to have the final pass that has been lacking. Thanks Chelsea, we have three good loan players and if their form continues it would be great to keep them .

On Friday night we play Bolton in the fourth round of the FA Cup. I love the cup and truly hope we can progress to the last 16 and maybe get a dream draw. It's a banana skin. The visitors are struggling on-and-off the pitch and City should win. The cup is littered with upsets and City will need full commitment to go through. I suspect a few fringe players may start, but we should prevail and make the draw.