Phil Parkinson voiced his sympathy for Andy Gray as City begin their Ireland tour today without him.

The experienced striker is desperate to make his mark this season after an unconvincing start to his second spell with the club.

But he now faces up to two months out after breaking his left forearm in Saturday’s friendly at Guiseley.

Gray suffered the injury as he tussled for possession with home defender Jameel Ible and hospital checks later highlighted a clean break in the bone.

Parkinson said: “Andy came back for pre-season really fit and it’s a big shame for him. Unfortunately it’s one of those things that happen in football and you can’t legislate for injuries.”

Gray’s setback took the gloss of City’s pre-season opener, which saw them win 4-0 with goals from Alan Connell, Nahki Wells, Ricky Ravenhill and trialist Raffaele De Vita.

The Italian, who can play on the wing or up front, was one of four players hoping to make an impression as Parkinson finalises his squad for League One.

The City chief is keeping it quiet who he has taken to their training base in Enfield, just outside Dublin, but it would be a surprise if De Vita, who played for Swindon under Paolo Di Canio, is not among them.

Former Burnley stalwart Brian Jensen played the first half in goal at Nethermoor but it is understood that another keeper has travelled for the two-game tour.

Parkinson said: “Brian’s someone we’re having a look at. He’s trained with us a couple of days.

“Obviously he’s a keeper with a lot of pedigree but we haven’t seen a lot of him in first-team action, because he didn’t play much last year.

“It was good to see him. He’s a big presence and a character who has played at a higher level.

“The squad is coming together. We’ve got cover in most positions but still need a couple more additions and we’re working on that.

“Whether it will be one of the trialists who emerges to fill those positions, we’ll have to wait and see.”

New signing Mark Yeates and skipper Gary Jones sat out Saturday after both picked up minor knee knocks in training the day before.

Parkinson confirmed that they would have played if it had been a league game and are likely to be involved at Athlone tomorrow.

Andrew Davies is still feeling the calf problem that niggled him last season but he is training with the rest, as is Luke Oliver.