Marcus Stewart believes the emergence of Nicky Maynard as a regular Championship goalscorer can fire Bristol City to the play-offs.

The former Bristol City and Bristol Rovers striker – now a player-coach at Exeter City – still monitors his old side's progress.

Maynard has already got 10 goals this season – a fact that has impressed former Premier League star Stewart.

"They seem to have a goalscorer, which they haven't had for a few years," he said.

"Nicky Maynard has got 10 goals and that is almost more than any striker has got for them in the last two years already.

"There's nothing like having a goalscorer in your side because they can always get you those 1-0 wins that you need to push up the table.

"They had it when they got promoted from League One with Phil Jevons and Steve Brooker and now they have got it with Maynard.

"You need to get 10 to 15 goals from midfield and 15 to 20 from your main striker."

Maynard was City's top-scorer with 11 goals when they finished in mid-table last season. He looks certain to shatter that mark soon.

In the previous campaign, when City reached the Championship play-off final but lost to Hull, their leading marksman was Darren Byfield, who netted only eight times.

"Last season they did well but that happens to most sides," said Stewart. "You have a good season and get to the play-offs and the season after you have a lull, although they were still in with a chance of the play-offs with 10 games to go.

"This year they have picked up. They aren't that far off third place and certainly not far off the play-offs and I fancy them to do it.

"If they get in the play-offs, I fancy them to go all the way. They have been unlucky in the play-offs over the last 10 years and so it might be their time."

Bristol City must overcome their recent blip – they have conceded seven goals in two games as they lost to West Brom and Sheffield United.

"They are going to be in there at the end of the season and they have got experience with people like Louis Carey and Bradley Orr and Jamie McAllister that you need," added Stewart.