RORY FALLON is pleading for a swift return to Town's starting line-up so he can batter Bristol City again.

The striker was left on the bench for the 2-1 win over Milton Keynes Dons after disappointing displays in Town's opening two matches.

Brian Howard was used as a makeshift forward at Fallon's expense, and he duly hit the target to give Andy King a selection dilemma ahead of Saturday's trip to Ashton Gate.

But Fallon believes he should get the nod for the derby four months after endearing himself to the County Ground faithful with a stunning overhead kick against the same opposition.

"I think the manager was just trying to give me a kick up the backside by leaving me on the bench," said Fallon.

"I didn't feel I needed it at this early stage of the season but there you go.

"With no disrespect to Brian, he's not a forward.

"He's a very good player but he's not a front man.

"Bristol City will be a completely different type of game.

"It will be a battle and that's my strength."

Fallon admits he has struggled to fill the boots of Oxford-bound Tommy Mooney and that his partnership with Sam Parkin has yet to set League One alight.

But he believes the combination will work given time.

"Me and Sam Parkin need to play 10 or so games together to develop an understanding," said the New Zealander.

"I accept the fact that we are similar in style but I think it can work as a pairing. It just takes time.

"I've been disappointed with the way I've played so far, but last year I was an unknown quantity and I was given a lot more time on the ball.

"Now other teams know all about me and the marking is a lot tighter."

A growing number of Town supporters have singled Fallon out for criticism after two and a bit languid displays, but the 22-year-old is used to the flak after bearing the brunt of the boo boys' frustrations at his last club.

"That doesn't really concern me I was used to it at Barnsley," he said.

"I'm probably an easy target. I'm a team player who does a lot of hard work getting the ball and laying it off to other players. Perhaps I should be more selfish."