IN-FORM Mark Yeates and Billy Clarke are setting the standard for City with sheer hard work, according to boss Phil Parkinson.

The creative duo are two of the most influential players on the ball in the Valley Parade ranks.

Yeates has arguably been City’s best performer so far this season and Clarke has forced his way back into the side in recent weeks to strike up a good understanding up front with Jon Stead.

But Parkinson insists that their form only comes from being prepared to put in the hard yards first.

He said: “The building block is the work ethic. Get flair players like them to work hard and when they do, then the quality in their play will follow.

“We’ve got a good core of players and you can sense the confidence coming back. That all comes from everyone putting in that effort.

“Yeatesy’s work ethic when he first got back playing in the team was outstanding. The quality of his play has come from that.

“It’s the same with Billy. He came back in and worked really hard against Halifax and Preston and his quality shone through.

“We’ve got good technical players in the team who pass the ball well but that all comes from hard work. You do that and you’ll get the rewards.”

Parkinson is taking a leaf out of Jose Mourinho’s book – the Special One has criticised Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard in the past for not sweating enough for the cause.

“Hard work is the secret of management,” added the Bantams chief. “It doesn’t matter what level you are at.

“Look at Chelsea, who are the best team in the country right now. It’s exactly the same with them as with everyone else.

“You see what Jose Mourinho expects and demands of his flair players. It doesn’t matter who they are, he doesn’t carry anybody in the team if they aren’t prepared to do both sides of the game.

“The best teams in the world are the ones which work the hardest for each other and cover the distance. If you aren’t prepared to put that effort in, then you won’t succeed.”