Bristol City midfielder Marvin Elliott insists manager Gary Johnson's new rotation policy is working.

The Robins recruited heavily during the close season and now boast arguably their strongest squad since they were last in the top flight in 1980.

Johnson has taken advantage of the new-found strength in depth at his disposal to rest key players in certain games. And Elliott claims the policy is having the desired effect following back-to-back victories over Plymouth Argyle and Barnsley.

Relegated to the substitutes' bench for last week's 3-1 home victory over Argyle, Elliott was restored to the starting line-up at Oakwell on Saturday and produced his best performance of the season to help City win 3-2, a result which propelled the Robins into the play-off zone.

Elliott admits he does not like missing games, but says he understands the reasons behind recent team selections.

"I want to play all the time and I don't think anyone in our squad wants to rest," said the Londoner.

"But the gaffer has made the decisions he has made and we have won again. Results speak for themselves.

"Of course, I was disappointed to be left out against Plymouth, but the manager can do what he likes and we have to get on with it.

"Not everyone can play in every game, but we have the kind of squad where everyone has the right to be involved. It's a squad game in the Championship.

"I was pleased to get back in at Barnsley and I felt fresh and enjoyed the day. I thought we played really well and came out of it with a very important win."

Lee Johnson was also benched against Plymouth to make way for the return of Paul Hartley, only to return at the expense of the Scottish international four days later. Deployed alongside Elliott and Evander Sno in a three-man central midfield, Johnson produced arguably his most effective display of the campaign at Oakwell.

Elliott believes such competition for places can only benefit City's promotion push.

He added: "No-one can expect to be involved in every game and nobody's place is certain any more. You cannot take your place for granted.

"When I'm out on the pitch, I sometimes look across at the bench and see who is sat on it. Just one look is enough to gee me up.

"I know that if I don't do the business, there are some very strong players who can take my place.

"If you drop out of this side, it could easily be a while before you get another chance. Everyone knows it and it keeps all of us on our toes. That kind of competition has to be healthy and it's the main reason I think we can stay near the top of the table."

City boss Johnson has already shown he is not afraid to alter a winning side and is refusing to rule out the possibility of further changes when Sheffield Wednesday visit Ashton Gate on Saturday.

"We're unbeaten in five games now and it's up to us to keep this run going," says Elliott. "If selected, all we can do is give it 100 per cent and do our best to win the game."

Meanwhile, Bristol City's away reserve team fixture against Salisbury, scheduled for today, has been postponed. The fixture will instead be played in Wiltshire next Monday (7.30pm).