Colin Todd has noticed something different in the City dressing room.

And no, it's not that the place has gone a little bit quieter without a certain striker in their midst.

The Bantams boss reckons his players have got a spring in their step again from the recent improved performances.

And even without Dean Windass, he believes City can put on a very positive front at Tranmere tomorrow night.

Todd said: "I look at the squad and I can see a sparkle in their eyes. There is a fresh impetus about the place and I can see confidence oozing again.

"My belief in the players has always been very high, and my confidence didn't waver, but the signs have been very encouraging with the way we have played in the last few games and I think we're ready to kick on."

Such a positive vibe from the top may be surprising, given that City must negotiate the rest of the campaign minus their leading goal-scorer.

But Todd says his confidence is borne out from the team's response after a rocky Christmas spell.

"Throughout the season we've had one thrashing - at Blackpool - and apart from that, they have all been very close games," he said.

"I've always had faith in the players but sometimes bad results hit you a little bit harder. Confidence plays such a part and little things go against you, like sendings off etc.

"But you have to turn it round by keeping positive and we didn't lose either game when we were down to ten men. That shows that the players do trust and believe in each other."

Eddie Johnson makes a timely return after six games on the sidelines with shin splints. Jermaine Johnson is also back after missing the Swansea game with a tight hamstring.

The Jamaican caught the eye playing up front at Carlisle and Port Vale but Todd may decide to switch him back to the right wing to accommodate his namesake's return to the side.

Carlos Logan is also pushing for a first start after a bright cameo appearance as a substitute last week.

  • Start or join a debate on this issue in our online forum - Click here