Phil Parkinson is backing Sunderland defender John Egan to “have a real go” at Valley Parade.

The 20-year-old Irishman trains with City for the first time this morning after signing on loan until January – and he is likely to go straight into the mix for tomorrow’s home clash with Chesterfield.

Having lost both first-choice centre halves to long-term injuries last week, Parkinson swooped for Egan after watching him in reserves action against Aston Villa on Thursday.

The City chief is confident he has signed a player with the same winning mentality as the squad he is joining.

Parkinson said: “John’s decent in the air and competitive. He’s a good defender, is comfortable on the ball and I like the look of him.

“I’ve done my homework on him and heard that his commitment is first class. That’s what our supporters want to see.

“One thing Steve (Parkin) and I have spoken about is the importance of getting the right character. He’s someone who is going to have a real go.

“We’ve got players here with terrific attitudes and it’s so important we get someone who can blend in with the squad. I think he’s a good acquisition.”

Egan, who had loan spells last season with Crystal Palace and Sheffield United, will swell the ranks at a time when City’s hectic calendar shows no signing of easing.

Nathan Doyle partnered Carl McHugh in the middle of the back four in Saturday’s 1-1 FA Cup draw at Northampton.

The teams will meet again a week tomorrow for the replay at Valley Parade, meaning the Bantams face three more Tuesday outings on the bounce.

The winners earn a home date with mid-table League One outfit Brentford in round two on December 1.

Parkinson said: “It’s tough to have another game to fit in but you’d rather still be in the competition.

“I was so pleased with the way we played and I don’t think we could do much more to win the game.

“We changed the system, which caught Northampton out and gave them something to think about. I thought it worked a treat.”

Will Atkinson’s first goal of the season put City ahead before former Peter Taylor loanee Louis Moult equalised for the Cobblers.

But Parkinson was adamant his side should have had a late penalty after Nahki Wells was tackled from behind by Danny East.

He said: “Nahki’s clean through and I thought it was a sending off and a penalty. But the ref didn’t give it, which was a shame because the performance warranted a win.”

Scott Brown was handed a debut in City’s midfield diamond and Parkinson tipped the Scottish teenager as one for the future.

He said: “There was no big drama about putting him in because we knew he would be fine. He kept the ball well and gave a good, solid display.”