PHIL Parkinson has underlined his confidence in Nathan Clarke as he ruled out bringing in another centre half.

Alan Sheehan is trying to sort out a loan from City but it appears unlikely that the club will make any further additions before the transfer window shuts at 6pm today.

Parkinson has already brought in central defender Reece Burke from West Ham and City are hopeful they can find a way for him to play against Oldham on Saturday.

The teenager, who has looked very good in his two appearances to date, has been called up by England under-20s for the first time for their international against the Czech Republic two days later at Shrewsbury.

But the Bantams are optimistic that he will be allowed to feature for the club at the weekend before returning to the national squad.

City were unable to agree on a permanent deal with a central defensive target recently, which prompted Parkinson to take Burke on a youth loan from Upton Park.

Even without Sheehan, Parkinson feels that Burke and Clarke offer enough competition for the slot alongside Rory McArdle.

He said: "We'll probably go with what we've got. Reece did great on Saturday and Nathan Clarke is getting fitter by the day.

"He is in early with us every morning and we're working hard to get him up to speed.

"I just feel that he was off the pace in the first few games – but he's a good player and a fantastic character."

Clarke joined City 11 days before the start of the season after leaving Leyton Orient a year early to return to his native north. He played the first two games at Swindon and York but found it tough in both.

Parkinson said: "I think the turmoil of the summer he had, with whether he was going or not, probably detracted from the level of pre-season he needed. But we're getting him that.

"We've got options and we're getting better – but the division gets more competitive each year. More teams are spending money and to get close to where we want to be, we need to be this strong if not stronger."

Parkinson has added 13 players since the end of last season, with Devante Cole's two-year deal on Friday instantly rewarded with the striker's last-gasp match-winner 24 hours later.

The Bantams boss is not expected to increase numbers before the tea-time cut-off point, although emergency loans are available again from next week.

"You can never say never but when you look at the squad, we've got (Chris) Routis and (Tony) McMahon to come back in," said Parkinson.

"Sheehan hasn't gone yet but looks like he will. Billy Clarke will come back before Christmas.

"It's not a bad squad but if someone becomes available who we think can make a difference, we'll go for them."