Brad Collins replaced Sam Tickle between the posts as Bristol City secured a "good point" against Stoke City

Michael Skubala has outlined his thinking behind the decision to replace Sam Tickle with Brad Collins for Bristol City's meeting with Stoke City, while assessing the Robins' "good point" against the Potters.

The Reds extended their winless run since the international break, but produced an improved performance as they drew 0-0 with Stoke on Saturday afternoon. In difficult conditions at the bet365 Stadium, both sides struggled to create many clear-cut chances.

City's best opportunities of the contest saw Gibson Yah and Dom Ballard unable to hit the target from close range. At the other end, the Robins defended well to limit the hosts to a single shot on target, when Collins reacted well to deny Ben Wilmot in the second half.

OPINION

While Skubala felt, come the full-time whistle, that his side could have done more to snatch all three points, particularly in the second-half, he was - on the whole - pleased with the Reds' performance after a difficult run of results.

Asked for his assessment of the draw, the City boss told Bristol Live, "A typical, windy Championship game of football. I thought it was a really good character performance from ourselves.

"I thought the game was difficult for both teams. I thought we created some excellent moments in the game, where we had some good box entries and probably didn't have the last bit.

"But I thought we came with a plan to set-up and hit them on the counter-attack. I thought we did that well at times. I'm really pleased with the performance and a good point on the road.

"We've been looking at it for a while to see if we can solidify and make ourselves stronger without the ball," Skubala added. "I thought the shape change was good; the lads were excellent in it. I thought there were some really good performances.

"We knew how tough it would be here, because they've started the season well here. They've got some really fast players on the top-line, they've put some teams to the sword here, but I thought we defended very well. Again, I think we created some chances.

"For us to defend and get a clean sheet is really important," he concluded. "The second one of the season, so that's excellent. To limit a Stoke team that's been on a really good run is also excellent.

"I think we just needed to hit the target with some our chances to turn it into a win."

Perhaps the biggest source of debate over the course of Saturday's contest came a little over an hour before kick-off, when it was confirmed that Collins would be making his City debut, replacing Tickle between the posts.

Since arriving at Ashton Gate from Wigan Athletic during the summer transfer window, Tickle has been the Robins' first-choice stopper. Prior to Saturday's draw, the 24-year-old had started - and played the entirety of - the Reds' first 12 matches this term.

Some fans were quick to call for that to change after the summer signing played a big part in Blackburn Rovers' winner last Tuesday, but Skubala stood by Tickle for last Saturday's defeat to Sheffield United. Against the Potters, though, he opted for experience.

"I think we've brought a young goalkeeper in, a very exceptional goalkeeper in Sam Tickle that's going to develop into a very good goalkeeper here," Skubala said when asked about the call to rotate his stoppers. "We've brought in another competitive goalkeeper who has played quite a few times in the Championship, maybe 100 times in the Championship.

"I think he brings some experience and like all positions, I want there to be competition for places. I always have a process of changing things outfield and, of course, it's always a big decision to change the goalkeeper, but I want my players to be brave and I'll make brave decisions when I think it's right in the moment.

"But it's no different to the outfield positions. We want them competitive around the squad, we're healthy and we've got really competition for places. I thought this week in training, I know people don't see it, but I thought we trained very well and it was a really competitive environment.

"We've got two good goalkeepers - and Tomo as well who supports them and is great as a number three - that are challenging for the spot," he added. "We want that, because then everybody has to be at the level in the games and perform well.

"I thought today, Brad did really well. His calmness, the experience he brought to the group in tough conditions; his debut was excellent."

City's clean sheet and draw against the Potters sees them climb a single place, up to 14th in the Championship after 12 matches. The Reds will have the chance to build on their positive point next weekend, when they travel to Bolton Wanderers.