CITY are pondering whether to take a punt on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

The former Wolves striker is currently without a club and has been training with the squad at Apperley Bridge.

Ebanks-Blake, whose career has stalled since breaking an ankle in April 2013, was released by Ipswich in the summer. He has most recently been on trial at Brentford.

Phil Parkinson said: “Everyone knows his pedigree and we’re just having a look at him. We’ll make a call on him at the start of next week.

“He’s had a difficult year with injuries but he’s only 28 and he is a proven goal-scorer. We’re just having a look at his general fitness and how he fits in with the group.

“Sometimes players are waiting in the summer for a club to come in for them and a few things don’t materialise. So they end up with nothing

“He’s someone who needs to start playing again. Whether it’s just short term until January, he needs to play.”

Parkinson’s immediate concerns centre on getting a reaction from his team against Doncaster on Saturday after the poor showing at Oldham.

City go into the Valley Parade clash without the suspended Rory McArdle, missing his first game of the season, and Gary Liddle – who has strained a hamstring.

The Bantams boss said: “We are having things go against us and some are self-inflicted like the sendings off. We have had disruption.

“But we can’t use that as an excuse. We have enough in this building to put in a good level of performance.”

Andrew Davies trained today and comes back in for McArdle. The rest of the back four is likely to be the same that finished at Boundary Park, with Alan Sheehan in the middle.

Chris Routis, who was taken off before half-time after a torrid game, and Matty Dolan could fight it out to fill in for Liddle if Parkinson opts for the diamond midfield.

City have picked up only one point from the last four games and Parkinson expects a strong response in their latest Yorkshire derby. He echoed David Baldwin’s belief that the noise inside Valley Parade can be a factor.

“We’re looking for a real positive reaction from everybody, the supporters as well. They have been terrific.

“Look at Bristol City away. They are top of the league and had a full house and it was nowhere near the atmosphere our fans create inside Valley Parade.

“It’s important from my point of view we keep it like that and we do that by the manner of our performance.

“Speaking to the lads about systems and 4-4-2 or the diamond, but it’s not about that. It’s about the way it’s implemented and the way you do your job in a positive fashion.

“You can’t always play great. Sometimes people’s touch isn’t quite there but one thing you should be able to guarantee is that real endeavour.

“We’ve gone to Bristol City and played in that way. We did the same in the second half against Sheffield United with ten men.

“I want to see players driving into space and committing people. We’re disappointed after getting beaten again on our travels and that’s the way to respond.

“I know the supporters will stay right with us, like they do, but the only way of ensuring that is seeing that commitment from the team throughout the 90 minutes.”