We shall overcome, preaches Bantams boss Parkinson ahead of Wigan clash (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

We shall overcome, preaches Bantams boss Phil Parkinson ahead of Wigan Capital One Cup clash

7:00am Tuesday 30th October 2012 in Bantams By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter

Centre back Luke Oliver is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines

Phil Parkinson will urge cup underdogs City to forget all the adversity and do themselves proud against Wigan tonight.

They face the Premier League side with resources slashed to the bone by the injuries to Andrew Davies and Luke Oliver – who will be out long term – as well as Ricky Ravenhill’s suspension.

And Ritchie Jones added to Parkinson’s woes yesterday when he missed training with a virus that is set to keep him out.

That leaves City with problems in the centre of midfield and defence. Parkinson has called up youngsters Adam Baker, Connor Erangey, Louie Swain, Forrayah Bass and Scott Brown to make up the squad numbers.

But Parkinson believes the club’s first appearance in the last 16 of the Capital One Cup for 24 years – where they will be backed by 5,000 away fans – comes as the perfect pick-me-up.

He said: “There are many ups and downs throughout the season. The good managers, the good squads and the good chairmen overcome those problems and we will do.

“This game comes with a third of the season gone and is a bit of a reward for the club. It’s a day out for all our supporters who have followed Bradford City through thick and thin.

“In general we’re in a good place but obviously we’ll only enjoy the day if we put in a performance to do ourselves justice. Shocks do happen.

“It’s a totally different game for us. Wigan’s players are technically better.

“Where Burton played diagonal balls up to big Calvin Zola and we had to deal with that, they are more of a football team. It’s the movement and intelligence of the players that we have to concentrate against.

“But it’s a great challenge for the lads. We’ve brought some young lads in and three, maybe four of them, could be on the bench – what a great night for them to be part of.

“I can’t remember too many games in my career as a player or manager when we’ve taken 5,000 supporters. It’s a night we’ve got to enjoy.”

Parkinson will bring in another centre half on loan but he does not expect to find one willing to be cup-tied.

But he is hoping for good news on Ravenhill after deciding to appeal for a reduced ban following advice from another referee and the League Managers’ Association.

Parkinson wants to get his three-game absence cut to one and has submitted video footage for the FA to study. He is still fuming with Burton’s Lee Bell for his play-acting – something the player later admitted on Twitter.

Parkinson said: “If that was a Premiership player coming out and doing that, it would be all over Sky. There would be an outcry.”