Hartlepool United v Bradford City: Parkinson expects incoming players to ‘wear Bradford shirt with pride’

Within the competition rules, clubs must play six first-team regulars, but with Bradford City ticking along nicely in League One, Parkinson is keen to freshen up his options by giving some other players a chance.

That means opportunities for goalkeeper Connor Ripley, who extended his loan deal from Middlesbrough yesterday, Ricky Ravenhill, Jason Kennedy, Raffaele De Vita and Matt Taylor.

Parkinson, whose side host Brentford on Saturday, said: “Tuesday night is a good opportunity for some players who haven’t been getting a game recently.

“We are restricted to exactly how many changes we can make due to competition rules, which I know is a source of frustration for a lot of managers, but we will go there looking to enjoy the game and put on a good performance.

“Similar to Kyel Reid, who came into the side on Saturday after training hard and pushing for an opportunity, any players who come in on Tuesday will be looking to stake a case for a place in the team on Saturday and beyond. These players have been waiting patiently.

“They will be looking to make a statement that says they should be in the team every single week, and I’m looking forward to it.

“Every time someone pulls on a Bradford City shirt it is important that they wear it with pride. We will certainly be looking for that.”

Hartlepool are the only team to have not found the net so far in the Football League, their only goal coming in the Capital One Cup. This is the third time the two clubs have met in this competition in the last four years and they have one win apiece.

Last six games: Hartlepool LLLDLD; Bradford DLWLWD.

Last time: Hartlepool 0 Bradford 0; October 9, 2012; JP Trophy.

Referee: R Clark (Northumberland).