City were beaten by the clock in their bid to land Chris Eagles.

Sir Alex Ferguson had agreed just before yesterday's transfer deadline to let Bryan Robson borrow the Manchester United youngster for free for the rest of the campaign.

But City ran out of time because the 18-year-old was in a car on the way to London and therefore unable to sign the paperwork by the 5pm cut-off point.

It was a frustrating blow for the Bantams, whose squad was reduced below the 20 mark yesterday with the departures of midfielders Paul Evans and Paul Reid.

Nottingham Forest renewed their interest in Evans with less than an hour of trading left and a deal for an undisclosed fee - believed to be £25,000 - was done with a minute to spare.

The Welshman, who had recently forced his way back into the City line-up, initially signed on loan to get it through in time but has agreed a two-year contract.

Reid joined Brighton until the end of the season with a parting shot at City. He said: "Since I've been there, the club has been fighting relegation most of the time so I guess an inexperienced player like me who likes to get the ball down and play wasn't the best option."

With Evans gone, City's resources are even more limited for tomorrow's crunch home clash with bottom-three rivals Burnley.

Alan Combe and Danny Cadamarteri both return but David Wetherall will have a late test on his calf.

Transfer-listed Rob Wolleaston could get his first start in midfield after playing the last 20 minutes at Sheffield United.

Robson, who wants maximum points from the remaining four home games, believes the pressure is on Burnley not City.

He said: "They were in a nice position four or five weeks ago but now they have dropped into the bottom three for the first time. There's always a team that drops from mid-table into trouble and that is something Stan Ternent will be wary of.

"Hopefully their spirits aren't too high at the moment. They haven't won away for six months and if we can get a good start to the game then maybe there will be doubts in their minds, but we've got to establish that first."

City must handle the scoring threat of old boy Robbie Blake, who has smashed 19 goals so far this season. He warned: "I normally score against former clubs and it's happened in the last two games against Bradford. Hopefully I can make it a hat-trick tomorrow."