PHIL Parkinson will remind City to look at the bigger picture when they enter the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at a sparsely-populated Valley Parade tonight.

The crowd figure for the second-round visit of Barnsley will be well below the 18,125 average for the opening five League One games.

But the Bantams, missing four players on international duty, would love a serious crack at the lower-league cup competition and the prize of another potential Wembley trip for the final on April 3.

Parkinson said: "For many teams in the lower divisions, it is the only chance to get to Wembley. We were fortunate a few years we got there in the Capital One Cup.

"We were lucky to get a bye in the first round and we've got to make sure we approach the game in the right way and try to get one step closer.

"It will be a contrast. I've not had a home game in the JPT since I've been here, so it's difficult to know how many people will come – I don't think it will be a great deal.

"That's what happens in the early rounds of this competition. It's not until the area semi-finals or final that it really picks up.

"There might be only 3,000-4,000 there – but most teams at this level play in front of that every week. We're fortunate to get 18,000 in the ground."

Greg Leigh will make his City debut for James Meredith, who is with Australia for their World Cup clash in Jordan on Thursday. Reece Burke, Lee Evans are Rory McArdle are also missing.

Parkinson said: "We'd probably have given Reece a break anyway because he's played a lot of games back to back. Greg Leigh deserves a chance instead of Mez anyway and with Lee Evans, we've got others to come in.

"Greg's been professionally very good for us. He's done well in the reserves and has got experience at this level – he played 42 games last season for Crewe. He's a young, hungry player who wants to impress.

"I don't want to put too much expectation on him, because he's here for the long term, but we'll keep him nice and calm and hopefully he'll enjoy going out there playing. He's waited patiently to be on the stage.

"We've got to make sure the attitude is right and the lads who get a chance give us a timely reminder they are here as well and everyone wants to push someone else out of the team."

Parkinson is no fan of the JPT rule that you must play at least six of the side that started the last game or six of the 11 with the most appearances. But City have been given slight dispensation because of the call-ups.

The Bantams boss said: "I've never agreed with it. I think every club should be allowed to pick whatever team they want. Every manager you speak to says the same. It is frustrating."

Kyel Reid and Devante Cole both came off with tight hamstrings at Rochdale and Parkinson may opt to hold them back. He is particularly wary with Reid, who was starting only his second game of the season.

Parkinson said: "It's nothing serious but we've just got to make sure they are right. Reidy needs to play but we can't do too much too soon with him.

"I probably played him ten minutes longer than I wanted to but he was doing so well at the time. He was really carrying the team forward but he did cramp up towards the end."

McArdle’s late call into the Northern Ireland squad last night means that Saturday’s home game against Blackpool has now been postponed. The Football League agreed to City’s request because of their unavailabilities.

City (possible): Williams, Darby, Routis, N Clarke, Leigh, McMahon, Liddle, Knott, Marshall, James, Hanson.