By Geoff Twentyman BBC Bristol

City's Cole Skuse (left) and Darryl Duffy of Rovers are in fine form.

Football never ceases to surprise. A few weeks ago I wrote about the merits, or otherwise, of the transfer window.

In the article I highlighted the abilities of Bristol City midfielder Marvin Elliott and Rovers striker Rickie Lambert.

The pair are the prime assets of Bristol football and at the time were, and remain, the obvious targets for bigger clubs before the window closed.

Since then both players have suffered injuries. I hope it is not the "Twentyman Talks Back" kiss of death, but it has certainly highlighted a few things.

Firstly, nowadays strength in depth is absolutely crucial. Successful teams are the by product of a strong squad.

I played in a Championship winning side which had no more than 14 players in the first-team group. These days it's not possible to be successful with such numbers.

Darryl Duffy has taken his opportunity with both feet and his head. The Scot has made an impressive contribution. Four goals in five games is hot stuff. Geoff Twentyman

At Bristol City, Cole Skuse has really come to the party. The 22-year-old has flourished since Marvin Elliott has been sidelined.

He looks the part and the big difference with his game is that his first instinct is to look forward. The midfielder is delivering match-winning passes.

I have seen Cole develop from a young age when he played for Yate United. He has always been incredibly committed, dedicated and talented.

Both he and my son Mark used to spend hours and hours on local pitches kicking a ball to each other and honing their skills. Mark used to marvel at Cole's ability to "ping" the ball with either foot.

If he continues to develop, which must include a better goal return, Cole could well play at the very highest level.

At Rovers, Darryl Duffy has taken his opportunity with both feet and his head. Of late the Scot has made an impressive contribution, four goals in five games is hot stuff.

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I was pleased that Paul Trollope retained him against Yeovil, with Rickie Lambert being named on the bench. Duffy's confidence will have received a massive boost and he scored again to justify his selection.

Both Skuse and Duffy are fine examples of players seizing their opportunities.

Those with weaker personalities and less ability would not have done so. Some would have bottled it.

Gary Johnson and Paul Trollope must be delighted with the way their squads are bearing up. For both of them the problem, and challenge, will come when everyone is fit.

The burning question is, what does the manager do? Does he stick with the men in possession who are in form or does he pick his best players? What would you do?

Geoff presents the Twentyman Talks Back football phone-in at 1900 GMT on Fridays on BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Radio Somerset. If you missed the latest programme, listen to it now.

Ricky must start when fit, he offers to much to be left out and is the only player we have that would fit in a league select. It would alter the balance of the team to play Lambert, Duffy and Kuffour unless chasing a game in last 20 mins, got to be Lambert and Duffy who gets the edge over Kuffour due to his intelligent movement around the box and more instinctive finishing.
Jonathan, Wooton under Edge

For the first time in a very long time we have a dilemma. And a happy dilemma at that! Lambert is clearly our best player (not just because he scores goals, but also his all round play, his touch, passing, free kicks etc) but Kuffour is a real slippery live-wire, who gives his all and makes a real difference to our team, and although Duffy is not yet totally proven, he has responded well to the chance he's been given, and his pace is something Lambert clearly lacks. Dare I suggest playing them all, with Lambert in a central/lynchpin position, behind 2 strikers? Lambert already often drops deep (to be blunt I think that can be a problem when he is allegedly playing as an out and out striker, as it leaves little to pass to - this may not be his fault always, as our attacking midfielders often do not get forward fast) and he holds the ball well and lays it off, or turns, well.
Martin, Manchester

I was over the moon that Duffy and Kuffour retained there places in the team for the Yeovil match and it worked for us. So hats off to Trolls for making the right call. But how scary must it be for other teams to see that the league's top goal scorer is only on the bench and can be unleashed at anytime. After our lack of goals last season it is amazing to see that we have 3 quality strikers at the club that are all performing at the moment.
Adam, St George

Read your article on Cole Skuse and Darryl Duffy with great interest. My view on selection regarding these 2 when Elliott and Lambert are fit is simple-they are in possession of the Red and Blue Shirts respectively and should keep them. Gary Johnson's selection process seems to be quite simple and fair, generally. If a player gets injured or suspended and another one comes in and does well, he stays in the team.
Paul Hudd, Knowle, Bristol

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