CHRIS Routis and Gary Liddle are competing to fill the vacancy left by Stephen Darby at right back as City prepare to take on leaders Bristol City.

Liddle returns from his one-game ban and filled in when Darby was injured for the Capital One Cup tie at MK Dons.

But Routis took over for the second half against Sheffield United after the captain’s dismissal – and may have done enough to persuade Phil Parkinson to keep him there.

The Bantams boss said: “I felt Chris did well in difficult circumstances on Saturday. But obviously Lidds has already played there as well, so we have the choice.

“I think Gary has probably been our most consistent player. He has been excellent so far.”

Rory McArdle sat out training yesterday with a bruised foot but Parkinson is confident that the centre back will be fit to continue his ever-present run.

He said: “We know Rory is a tough character. It will take something serious to keep him out.”