BEN Williams has been given a ringing endorsement as City's lengthy search for an extra keeper goes on.

Chris Kirkland pulled out of a Valley Parade deal at the 11th hour this week to join Preston instead – the latest of several missed targets over the summer.

But Phil Parkinson spoke to Williams yesterday and reassured him that the ongoing hunt for another stopper is nothing against him.

"There is money in the budget for another keeper and I've explained that to Ben since day one," said the Bantams boss.

"I've got to get the best goalkeeping department we possibly can. We've tried for a few and missed out – not just Kirkland but a few others.

"But it's no slight on Ben at all. He understands, he's an experienced keeper – he was at Man United where there were constantly keepers coming in and out.

"He was outstanding for us last year. Not only that but with the way he helped young Jordan (Pickford) and Matt Urwin in training.

"His professionalism is superb and the way he has conducted himself in pre-season. He's a keeper who gives his all on the pitch and at the training ground."

After deciding against signing Jussi Jaaskelainen, Parkinson thought he had secured Kirkland's services on Wednesday morning. Instead, he was told that the former Sheffield Wednesday keeper had been in late-night contact with Preston and taken their offer.

Parkinson said: "There's always a danger of that happening when we try to sign players. That's why we try to keep things as quiet as we can.

"Sometimes it's not possible but the fortunate thing for us is that we've got two keepers already.

"People forget Ben was a pivotal part of the FA Cup run last year. He played at Chelsea and the other the high-profile games. We've also got young Joe Cracknell, who is a great project to work with.

"If someone comes around who we feel can improve the squad, then we'll go for them. If not, we'll stay with what we've got."

Williams signed on the eve of last season initially on a short-term contract after leaving Hibernian. With Pickford confirmed as number one, he was limited to cup outings until his younger rival was recalled by Sunderland at the beginning of March.

That meant Williams enjoyed an extended run in the team over the final two months and he has started both games so far this term.

Parkinson did enquire about bringing back Pickford for a second loan spell but he had also signed for Preston.

He also missed out on Richard O'Donnell, who turned down City for Wigan, at the start of the summer.

Parkinson said: "When you're going for the higher-profile goalkeepers, you are always going to face competition. It's like a merry-go-round in football. One keeper goes and it opens up a space elsewhere.

"But I do want to stress we've got Ben, who has been terrific for us. Let's not forget there's a keeper there who showed incredible calmness on high-profile occasions. He's got the determination to stake a claim and that's what he's got to do.

"I know the supporters are right behind him anyway. They've got to be because he's one of our players and he's shown great professionalism from the day he walked in the building."