Selection poser for busy Bantams

BRADFORD’S continued involvement in the FA Cup presents a problem for manager Phil Parkinson.

Athletic are at least spared the sort of fixture congestion that could harm the Valley Parade outfit’s goal of making the play-offs.

A no-score draw at Bury last Saturday leaves the Bantams facing a replay three days after hosting Athletic, with the winners progressing to a home fourth-round game against Hull. Parkinson’s team will play five games in a fortnight.

Former Port vale winger Mark Marshall could be among the fringe players who benefit from the backlog, as Parkinson tries to squeeze the maximum out of every man on the squad.

As is the case with Athletic, who Bradford beat 2-1 at SportsDirect.com Park earlier this season, the West Yorkshire outfit will look to make moves in the current transfer window.

Parkinson, though, doesn’t expect to get new players before Saturday.