Chris Powell believes the behind-closed-doors friendly at Manchester City will prove a key part of Huddersfield Town’s preparations for their return to action after the latest international break.

The 18th-placed Championship club face an important run of three games in eight days.

They seek a third win in five when they play Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Saturday.

Mick McCarthy’s men are 12th but haven’t won in four in all competitions.

Then comes a reunion with Karl Robinson’s MK Dons, last on the Town fixture list back in 2011-12, on Tuesday, October 20.

Promoted last season, MK, whose squad includes Town old boy Antony Kay, started well, with two wins from three in the league, but have suffered five defeats in their last seven and are 19th, two points behind Town.

And on Saturday, October 24, Derby County, and their former Town midfielder Jacob Butterfield, come to the John Smith’s Stadium.

Jacob Butterfield in his Derby County shirt

The side which drew at City’s academy stadium featured a mix of first team and development players.

Skipper Mark Hudson, striker James Vaughan and keeper Joe Murphy all made returns from injury.

Nahki Wells, on-loan Nottingham Forest forward Jamie Paterson, Sean Scannell, Martin Cranie, Harry Bunn, Jonathan Hogg, Kyle Dempsey, Tommy Smith and Duane Holmes all got useful game time.

And younger players like Philip Billing, Jack Senior, Joe Wilkinson, Fraser Horsfall and Jacob Hanson also featured.

Philip Billing in action for Town

“We were really happy with the work-out against a strong Manchester City team that featured a few first-team players and the cream of the country’s youngsters,” reflected Powell.

“It was a proper test for every player we fielded. Everyone got what they needed out of it.

“We’ll play more of these type of games in the future, if we can.

“It was a good game to watch. We played the game at a quick tempo and tested a different formation, which worked well.

“A number of our younger players were involved and I was proud watching them hold their own against top-class opposition.

“I know they’ve been performing very well at Under 21 level, but ultimately I need to see if they can do it in the first team.

“They still made errors at times, but you have to accept that young footballers will and help them to learn.

“The match has definitely given me food for thought on some of our players.”

Town’s Under 21 team are back in Professional Development League II action at Millwall on Tuesday (2.00).

Frankie Bunn’s side are aiming for a fifth successive win.

After defeating Crystal Palace and Watford away, then Ipswich at home, they won 3-0 at Crewe Alexandra, where Rekeil Pyke, Holmes and William Boyle scored.