Bradford City v Walsall: Parkinson is wary of Wembley finalists

Walsall, who take on Bristol City in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final next month, head to Valley Parade looking to put a dent in the Bantams’ fine recent run.

City have won three straight games, one of which sealed a first appearance in the FA Cup quarter-finals since 1976, and the Yorkshire club are determined to maintain that run today.

Parkinson said: “We have had a good spell lately. I said before the MK Dons game (on February 9) that we had a big week or so coming up.

“We should have won at Port Vale two days before that MK Dons match but since then we have responded exactly as I’d hoped. Taking six points from six and getting through the Cup was just what we needed. But now we have to push on against a good Walsall side.

“They have reached Wembley and that is a terrific achievement. They have got some good footballers in the team so we will have to be at our best.”

City’s last outing was just three days ago at Leyton Orient, when a first-half double from James Hanson was enough to seal all three points.

Victory, however, came at a price with both Hanson and Andrew Davies picking up hamstring strains, while Filipe Morais suffered a jarred knee.

With Jon Stead, who missed the Brisbane Road win with an ankle problem, also a doubt, Parkinson is calling for a repeat of the atmosphere that powered City to a Cup shock at home to Sunderland last weekend.

The Bantams chief said: “We are depleted by injuries so need the fans to once again be our 12th man.”