ANDREW Davies trusts Phil Parkinson to fill any holes in City’s squad for the new season.

The build-up to the start of League One has been dogged by concerns over the lack of numbers at Parkinson’s disposal.

But defensive lynchpin Davies remains confident that the Bantams boss will recruit the back-up needed and insists it should not be a concern for the players.

He said: “You’ve got to focus on your job and what you’re on the pitch to do.

“The manager is obviously trying to get people in and he’s been working hard to do that all summer.

“Hopefully numbers do come in because people will start picking up little niggles and you need someone to come on and make a difference.

“But the manager is trying his hardest to get that sorted and we’ve just got to concentrate on what we’re paid to do.

“It’s an incentive for the lads who start on Saturday to keep that shirt. Obviously the more players that come in, the more there will be competition for places.

“You’ve got to go out there and make sure that even if the manager does bring anyone in, they don’t take your shirt.

“It should really get the best out of players and hopefully that’s the case.”

Expectation around the club has been lower this time around after all the hype surrounding their return to the third tier a year ago. But Davies sees that working in City’s favour.

“I suppose it does help. As a group, you’ve got to look at where we finished last year and set yourself the target of beating that.

“You’ve got to push on. It’s a massive year for everyone – the manager, the players and all of those involved in the football club.

“We all want to try and get out of this league as soon as we possibly can. You’ve got to be aiming high.

“Nobody’s being loud and shouting about it but among the lads, the aim has to be to keep progressing this year.

“We’ve got a good team. It’s a big change from last year but I think we’re starting to click.

“It’s a different way of playing and will take time to get used to. But as long as we’re organised and do what the manager says, then I’m sure we will be absolutely fine.”