JAMES Hanson's first wish for 2015 is for City to hang on to Jon Stead.

The Huddersfield striker's loan is up after the FA Cup tie at Millwall on Saturday – and Hanson is keeping his fingers crossed that it will not be the last time the pair play together.

With Billy Clarke sidelined, Hanson has started alongside Stead for the two Christmas wins that have pushed the Bantams into the play-off places.

City's top scorer said: "Steady's great to have around the place. It's shown in that we've gone nine unbeaten and he's obviously been a major part of that.

"It would be great if we could get his loan extended or make it permanent.

"They say you never stop learning and me and the other lads pick up so much from him because of his experience.

"If you look at the strikers we've got at the club – Billy, Steady and Francois (Zoko) – they are all something different to myself.

"It's a great combination for the gaffer to have, whatever system or strike partnership he goes with."

Ian Holloway's struggling Lions were monitoring Hanson during the last transfer window and, with his recent injury frustration behind him, the big targetman is ready to show them what they missed.

He said: "They were (looking at me) and it would be nice to go there and build on the last two performances. There's no better place to go than Millwall, hopefully get a goal and a win.

"The gaffer will say we've got nothing to lose. It's nice to be fifth in the league going into the game because that takes the pressure right off us – we can enjoy it and probably cause an upset.

"After the Dartford game, it was always the aim for the club to be in and around the play-offs by the time we played Millwall so we could all enjoy it. You look round training now, everyone's buzzing and really looking forward to it."

Hanson's goal at Fleetwood on his return to the starting line-up on Boxing Day was his first since August and took his season's tally to six.

He said: "It's been difficult even when I've been coming on in the last five games. We've been defending a lead rather than pushing to get the winner.

"If you get the ball, it was a case of heading for the corner flag. You come on for the last ten minutes and do a job for the team, so I haven't had too many chances to score.

"It's a massive relief to get back out there playing again but I was never one to moan. The lads out of the side have all shown a great attitude because we've been on this unbeaten run.

"We're all in it together and everybody is needed. There are 17 or 18 lads who have all got to be ready.

"Obviously we might struggle if we get a few injuries – but the strength in depth this season compared to last is there for everyone to see. Long may it continue."