GARY Liddle reckons City's current lack of numbers is creating a 'band of brothers' spirit within the squad.

Phil Parkinson is looking to bring in cover for the injured James Hanson as resources remain stretched.

Andrew Davies is still another couple of weeks away from his return and Alan Sheehan is again suspended for tomorrow's Capital One Cup trip to MK Dons.

The depleted Bantams made it four points from successive away games with Saturday's goalless draw at Colchester. Midfielder Liddle believes the close bond within the team can carry them through.

He said: "We're a very tight group. We're very good friends off the pitch as well and that's how it should be.

"I don't know how the budget is but, as it stands, the squad is very small. It doesn't help when we have people out injured or get sent off.

"But the lads have dug in over the last couple of games. With the long journeys as well, we've had to.

"We've got to be pleased with the four points. We maybe didn't create as much going forward (against Colchester) but we got the clean sheet, so we'll accept that.

"I know it is early days but to pick up the newspaper and see yourself in the top six gives us a massive confidence-booster. We're only a few points off top."

City's bench on Saturday included three players from the youth team. Parkinson spent the weekend trying to find a frontman on loan after one potential target did not come off.

The City chief said: "We can't freshen things up because we haven't got the personnel. But we'll keep going.

"To lose three players, especially with the magnitude of those three, could have had a negative effect. But the lads who have come in have responded really well.

"We're trying to rectify it. Davies will be a couple more weeks and Sheehan's available again after MK Dons, so the picture will start to look better.

"It's not easy to get strikers in. I spoke to someone prior to the game but that hasn't materialised as of yet.

"I'll keep working at it because that's the youngest team coach I've ever been on as a manager.

"But it's great experience for the young lads to be in and around the squad. It gives everyone else in the academy system great heart to see them on the bench.

"It shows that we're a club where young players can progress and come through."

MK Dons thrashed Crewe 6-1 at the weekend to go second but Liddle feels City are capable of upsetting the odds there once again.

He said: "It's a case of 'can we repeat it?' That's the challenge. We know they are a good team and bounced back from the defeat against us by putting six past Crewe.

"It's another big test for us and we'll go into the game as underdogs again – exactly the same as last Tuesday – and we'll relish it."

Colchester v City picture gallery