CHRISTOPHER Routis hopes to prove a real headache for Bantams boss Phil Parkinson.

Not that the French defender is looking to cause trouble with his manager.

But Routis wants to make it as tough as possible for Parkinson when he picks the back four to face Crewe on Saturday.

The 24-year-old is fast emerging as the find of the summer after a run of composed performances in the heart of the defence.

He came through a physical test from Port Vale’s Tom Pope on his home debut last weekend to back up impressive away outings against MK Dons twice and Colchester.

The former Servette centre half was pressed into action because numbers were stretched within the squad.

But Alan Sheehan, who was back on the bench against Vale, is pushing for a recall and Andrew Davies could also be available again after his broken arm.

Routis intends to fight to keep his place in the side.

He said: “When Alan and Andrew come back, the manager has a decision to make. I hope to make it difficult for him.

“I know that when I have my chance to play, it’s a good opportunity for me. I’m not under pressure. If I play well, the manager has to make the choice.

“Last season the club had 28 players but this year it is 20. The coach wants less players but more competition.

“In England you can sometimes have a game every three days so the situation changes quickly when a player is injured or tired.”

Having named four youth-team players among the subs in the Capital One Cup nine days ago, Parkinson is grateful to finally have more options at his disposal.

Matty Dolan, like Sheehan, was on the bench again for the Vale draw. Parkinson will also have a good idea on James Hanson’s progress over the next 24 hours as the top scorer eyes a timely return.

Parkinson said: “Things are looking better and we’ve got a few players coming back. We’re having a good week on the training ground to give as many players as possible a chance of starting on Saturday.

“Hanson has been progressing very well. He is running at 90 per cent and we’ll continue to assess him.

“I’ll see how the week’s training goes to decide who is really ready for this game. It was important we got something from last Saturday but we really need to push on again, starting this weekend.”