Parkinson cautious of rash moves as Bantams explore loan market

The Bradford City boss, who had been linked with a move for Bolton Wanderers’ young striker Tom Eaves, before he opted for Rotherham United, admits he is on the look-out for recruits to supplement his squad.

But diving in is out of the equation, just as it is being potentially dictated to by parent clubs who want cast-iron guarantees that prospective loan signings must always play.

Parkinson, whose side visit Gillingham this afternoon, said: “We are always looking and trying to do something, as most managers are.

“But it’s about trying to get the right person rather than getting someone in just for the sake of it.

“The problem you have also sometimes got with loan players, especially youngsters, is that some clubs only let them out only if they are guaranteed to start.

“At the moment, the team are doing alright, so I can’t guarantee anyone they are going to start at the minute.”

Despite being in a promising eighth spot, the Bantams are waiting to tick off their first away league win of the campaign after draws at Stevenage and Bristol City and a narrow defeat at Port Vale.

Parkinson admits he is keen for City to get up and running with a win bonus on the road and has challenged his side to extend the good passages of play which were evident in all those games into a rounded away-day display, starting at Gillingham.

He said: “I have been relatively pleased with how we have played on our travels.

“The one criticism we could have is that we haven’t sustained it over 90 minutes – although maybe Bristol City is a bit harsh,” he said.

Carl McHugh (groin) remains City’s only injury doubt ahead, but Mark Yeates (ankle) could feature.

City assistant Steve Parkin said: “Carl is doing okay but he’ll still be a doubt for this weekend.”