ANDY NICHOLAS has declared himself fit for battle should his manager wish to throw him into the derby day fray at Ashton Gate on Saturday.

The young defender came through yesterday's 'appetiser' without a hitch as Town thrashed Bristol City reserves 5-0 at the County Ground.

Short of any adverse reaction over the next 48 hours, Nicholas will answer the call if it is forthcoming.

It was his first outing since a knee operation last month and several crunching challenges during the match left the 20-year-old in no doubt that he is ready to return.

Manager Andy King had been desperate for the youngster to get 90 minutes under his belt before considering him for first team duty once again.

However, until the City clash was rearranged at short notice on Monday afternoon, there would have been no opportunity for a reserve run-out until August 31.

While King wanted to give Nicholas and Lloyd Opara an opportunity to boost their respective match fitness levels, City boss Brian Tinnion was also looking to give some of his stars a run-out ahead of Saturday's League One encounter.

It proved to be a much happier exercise for the Town boss, especially as his young left back looked extremely comfortable throughout.

Nicholas has been slowly fighting his way back to fitness after having a cartilage tear repaired shortly after the players reported back for pre-season.

Yesterday was the first time he had kicked a ball in match anger since the operation.

Nicholas said: "The knee feels great to be honest.

"The gaffer wanted me to get some match fitness, not do anything silly, concentrate on my running and stay out of trouble.

"To be honest though I didn't stay out of anything.

"I just played it like a normal game and the knee stood up all game. It was a good blow out.

"In the middle of a match it's difficult to pull out of anything because you're just playing your natural game.

"I tested it and at the moment it's fine."

Reserve fixtures can sometimes lead to groans from first teamers selected to play in them. Not on this occasion.

Nicholas said: "I don't think the manager would let me get my match fitness in the first team. It was too risky. We didn't know how the knee was going to hold up.

"I came out to play at least a half but as it was okay I played 90 minutes."

Nicholas is not expecting to simply walk straight into the starting eleven at Ashton Gate but he won't be afraid to do so if that's what his manager wants.

He said: "It's a day off on Wednesday and then another two hard days of training.

"If called upon I think I can play 90 minutes."

It would be a massive game to make your return but Nicholas feels such a high profile encounter could actually be beneficial for him.

He said: "It would be a good game to come into, an exciting game so the adrenaline will help me."