NIGEL Clough is looking forward to a Valley Parade catch-up with his “old” pal Steve Parkin.

The Sheffield United boss knows City’s number two well from playing together for England under-21s. But Clough stressed there are a few years between them.

Clough said: “It was about 27 or 28 years ago, I think. He was at Stoke at the time and we had over-age players. I am sure he won’t appreciate me for saying this but he was one of them.

“He looked a little bit older than us all, as he does now to be fair.

“I have come across Steve plenty of times since and he is a really good bloke. A top football man but a nice bloke, too.

“I have a lot of respect for Steve and he is very knowledgeable. Sadly, I can’t give you any dressing room secrets about him - because, to be truthful, I can’t remember any.

“There will be some, I am sure. But I struggle to remember last week, let alone nearly 30 years ago.”

Sheffield United have lost only two of the last 12 games and City will be wary of playing to the final whistle – ten of the Blades’ last dozen goals have come in the final ten minutes.

Clough added: “Bradford have perhaps not been as strong at home as they would have liked but, although that’s something we will try and take advantage of as, I’m sure Phil Parkinson will understand, we don’t envisage it having a huge effect on this game.”