BRAD Jones will finally make his first appearance in City colours this afternoon – three weeks after signing.

The former Liverpool and Middlesbrough goalkeeper lines up for the reserves against Burton at Valley Parade (2pm) as Phil Parkinson prepares to name a strong side.

Jones has not played a competitive game since reluctantly ending his five-year stay at Anfield in the summer. Parkinson had hoped to arrange one specially last week but the opposition cancelled at the last minute.

The Bantams boss said: "We had it sorted and then the club pulled out too late for us to play someone else. So Brad's probably a week behind where we ideally wanted him to be.

"He wasn't ready to play when he first came in but he's been working hard on the training ground with Ben (Williams) and Joe (Cracknell).

"He's looking very good but it's difficult to replicate 90 minutes of 11 v 11 in training.

"Brad hasn't had a game since last season, so this is much-needed. You want competition for places and this is a good opportunity for him."

The Australian stopper is not the only experienced face expected to be involved in the Final Third Development League opener. The likes of Steve Davies, Nathan Clarke and Paul Anderson should all feature as well.

Parkinson said: "It's a game which has come at the right time and it's good we're playing on the main pitch. We can train hard and do extra running but going out there and playing 90 minutes is important.

"We're going to play quite a few of the senior players because they need to be playing.

"We'll pick the team for the reserve league on a game-by-game basis. The gaps will be filled by those we feel are doing well in the youth team.

"It's a good chance for those young players to bridge the gap between under-18 football and the first team.

"We've done that in the past by loaning out second-year scholars and first-year pros. Now we have that opportunity to look at one or two of them in the reserves environment."

Alan Sheehan's situation could be sorted out by the weekend.

The out-of-favour left back did not get a move before transfer deadline day but the emergency loan window opens again tomorrow.

Parkinson said: "Alan has had a bit of a problem with his groin, which has set him back a few days. We'll wait and see but hopefully something will materialise by the end of the week."

Sheehan is keen to stay in the same division and declined a couple of offers from League Two.

One came from Carlisle boss Keith Curle, who worked with the Irishman at Notts County. He has already spoken to Sheehan about a switch to Cumbria.

Curle, who has been linked with the Peterborough vacancy, confirmed: "I've spoken to Alan. He's in negotiations with another football club at the moment and it's a waiting game to find out his decision on that.

"He's also still under contract at his club and has recently been playing. But he's a player that I've worked with before and has certain characteristics that I like."

City would be looking for a longer-term loan because, under FA rules, players can only feature for two clubs in one season.

Meanwhile, Parkinson has rubbished a report linking City with Leeds striker Lee Erwin.