STEVE Davies has more reason than most for wanting City to clinch their place in the play-offs.

The Bantams are hoping to guarantee a top-six finish this afternoon at Southend and Davies will be willing them on all the way.

The striker has played his part in the promotion surge with three winners and an equaliser in his five-goal haul – all coming off the bench.

But he is currently reduced to a watching role after his rash red card at Coventry.

Davies today sits out the second of his three-game ban for flicking out at defender Jack Stephens.

And with his one-year contract up in the summer, he is itching for City to extend their season beyond next weekend to make sure that moment of stupidity is not potentially his last action for the club.

Phil Parkinson said: “Davies has had a really tough couple of weeks and is desperate for us to get in the play-offs so he can play a part.

“He is kicking himself about the incident – which is probably the wrong words to use – because he wants to play.

“He has been training really hard this week because he wants to be out there. That is good to see.”

Well over 1,000 fans will make the trip to Essex to roar on the Bantams and Parkinson can sense a special feel on and off the pitch.

“The atmosphere is cranking up around the club,” he added. “I think we can feel that.

“It has helped with the likes of Filipe (Morais) coming back. That was a big boost for us all, including the fans, and it’s the same with the other lads.”

James Hanson’s hat-trick against Walsall, the first of his seven-year career, was another indication that Parkinson’s team are hitting peak form at just the right moment.

Parkinson said: “That is what you want as a manager. Someone to come in who hasn’t really had things his way recently and been on the bench, just being used as a sub.

“Now he is fresh and that is a big benefit. He is ready to go.

“A big part of James’s game is his running power and as he proved last weekend, he can be almost unplayable.”

Having recorded their biggest home win in the league since September 2013, Parkinson is hoping City can remain on the goal trail for their final away game.

“It is all about keeping your feet firmly on the ground and not getting too carried away as an individual or a team.

“Southend have beaten some top teams this year and have the capability of raising their game. We have to raise ours.

“If we play like we did at Shrewsbury and Coventry but add the commitment in the opposition penalty box, including a bit of devilment, then we will have a good chance.”