Zema Abbey must wait to find out if he has a future with City beyond tomorrow's game.

The striker's short-term contract runs out after the trip to Bristol City. And boss Colin Todd has told him: "I'll make a decision after the game."

Todd is keeping his cards close to his chest following the arrival of Andy Cooke. He is set to start alongside Dean Windass at Ashton Gate, consigning Abbey to the bench.

The 27-year-old has started six times for City. But having burst on to the scene with a superb goal inside two minutes on his debut at Brentford, he has failed to find the net since.

Abbey was also banned for three games after being sent off midway through the first half at Griffin Park. He returned to lead the line through the holiday period but has been unable to add to his tally.

Cooke played an hour for the reserves on Tuesday and Todd said: "If he plays, I would expect him to certainly get through 70 minutes without a problem. He has trained extremely well and his fitness levels are good.

"I've got a few options up front but I'll most likely go with the two most experienced lads."

The Bantams dropped to eighth after Bristol City's win at Tranmere but can leapfrog their opponents by chalking up an eighth away win.

Todd said: "It's a great incentive for the lads. I just hope we can show people what a decent side we are.

"Our away form has delighted everybody and the boys have just got to keep doing what they are good at.

"Bristol City are a formidable side and are on an extremely good run. But we go there believing we can give them a tough game. The boys have great belief in their own ability, especially on the road, and I'd be disappointed if we can't maintain that form."

Todd's side hammered Bristol City 4-1 at Valley Parade in September - a win soured by angry comments from visiting chairman Stephen Lansdown after the Football League let the Bantams field loan striker Neil Roberts, who scored one of the goals.

"Their chairman was disappointed and there was a bit of ill-feeling from his reaction," said Todd. "But that's all water under the bridge now.

"That result counts for nothing. We've played a lot of games since then.

"But we're going into the final 20 games in a strong position. We have to make sure we don't let anything slip and keep surging forward into the play-offs."

City must keep an eye on Bristol City hot-shot Leroy Lita, who has banged in 19 goals - the second highest in League One.

Todd added: "Wetherall and Bower have been magnificent and they're capable of making sure he doesn't score."