Bristol City hot-shot Brett Pitman has scoffed at suggestions that he has fallen out with boss Derek McInnes.

Linked with a number of clubs during the January transfer window, City's £800,000 capture from Bournemouth was rumoured to be unhappy at Ashton Gate after making just five starts in the npower Championship this season.

Pitman has been a victim of a system that has meant McInnes playing with just one striker in order to shore up midfield while the Robins fight against relegation.

Although the Channel Islander has spoken openly of his frustration at being left on the bench this season, he insists that there has been no souring of his relationship with former St Johnstone boss McInnes.

"Me and the manager get on fine," said Pitman. "I don't know why anyone would suggest we do not get on. To say that would be a long way from the truth.

"I get on very well with the manager and the assistant manager and there is absolutely no problem."

Having stated his case by coming off the bench and scoring twice in Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, Pitman is set for a recall to the starting line-up at Peterborough tomorrow.

McInnes is ready to abandon his safety first policy against a side that has not won in eight games and Pitman is expected to feature up front alongside Chris Wood in a 4-4-2 formation.

Pitman added: "I've always played up front with another striker, but it really doesn't faze me if I'm up there on my own. Whenever I'm on the pitch, I fancy my chances of scoring, whether I'm playing in a one, a two or a three.

"It's always been that way during my career and that won't change. The selection and shape are down to the manager and I'll go with whatever he says."

Introducing Pitman for the final 20 minutes helped City salvage a vital point in midweek.

McInnes said: "Brett is a great kid and we have a good relationship. It would be wrong to suggest otherwise. If he keeps scoring goals like he did against Palace, we will have an even better relationship!"

He added: "I do see the whole team over individuals, but I've tried to keep talking to him and working with him.

"I think Brett would suggest himself he struggles to play as a lone striker and he has had to be patient. I know he has been frustrated, but the best way to answer that is to come on and do what he did the other night.

"You have to acknowledge the goals he has scored and they may change the way I think about things. Brett has a real knack and an instinct to score goals.

"He comes alive around the 18-yard box.

"I played as well and any time I was not in the team, I was unhappy. But the best way to get back into the team is to work hard and Brett has done that."