Port Vale v Bradford City: Parkinson welcomes Bradford’s packed Christmas programme

The Bantams travel to Port Vale tonight in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy for the first of four midweek games in December, all in different competitions.

With his side also facing League Two outings on each of the four weekend dates, City’s manager knows resources will be stretched to the limit.

He said: “We are used to playing midweek so it won’t be a problem. We’ve played more games than anyone else this season.

“The bonus on Friday (in the FA Cup first round draw with Brentford) was the two lads who came in on loan (Curtis Good and Blair Turgott) played really well.

“You are never quite sure at this level how an Under-21 player will do. But they came in and did a great job in difficult circumstances. It means we have two additional players who can handle the level.

“There is a real good spirit in the camp. The lads were disappointed to have their Christmas do cancelled (because of the Brentford replay on December 18) but this is a time of year when it is great to be involved in football. I know that because a couple of years ago I was out of work at Christmas.”

Parkinson will have to abide by Trophy rules tonight when selecting his side, meaning either at least six of the starting XI from the Brentford Cup tie must be involved or six of the club’s top 11 appearance makers this season.

Port Vale will be without top scorer Tom Pope after the 21-goal forward collected his fifth booking in Saturday’s Cup defeat at Sheffield United.

Richard Duffy and Ryan Burge are also suspended after being yellow carded at Bramall Lane to leave manager Micky Adams with a selection headache.

Last six games: Port Vale DDDWWL, Bradford City WDLWDD.
Last time: Port Vale 3 Bradford City 2; September 13, 2011; League Two.

Referee: D Drysdale (Lincolnshire).