Deji Elerewe says he is relishing the challenge of Sky Bet Championship football after making an impressive start to life in the second tier with City.
The defender has played every minute of City's league campaign so far, helping Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw's side to four clean sheets.
His performances during August also saw him named the Bainland Player of the Month, recognising a strong start to his first full season playing regular Championship football.
Having made the step up from League Two when he joined City in January, Elerewe admits last season's move into League One presented its own challenges, but says the experience of senior players around him has helped him develop.
He said: “I’ve really enjoyed the challenge. The boys have been really good, so it’s been a very good challenge.
“I think playing in League One last season was a bit challenging at first, but being around Sonny Bradley and the senior players, who have got experience with the team, has really helped me grow and get through to playing this season in the Championship.”
Elerewe has been a key part of a City defence that has kept four clean sheets this season, including three in back-to-back league away victories.
The 22-year-old believes the collective strength of the side has been crucial to City's defensive record.
He continued: “When we defend as a group, it’s very, very hard to break us down. I think we just need to keep on with it.
“We were so delighted because clean sheets win games. We trust the attackers to score goals, so we’re just thinking, ‘Keep clean sheets.’”
City return to the ProAmpac Stadium on Saturday when Swansea City visit for the final game before the September international break.
Elerewe knows the visitors will provide another test, but believes City have the quality to take all three points.
“They’ve got some good players, but I believe we’ve got the quality to beat them as well, so it’ll be good test and another challenge for the lads.”
