PHIL Parkinson reckons City and Sheffield United can both feature in the League One promotion shake-up because of their squad depth.

The Yorkshire rivals slugged out a thrilling 2-2 televised draw at Valley Parade yesterday – a game the Bantams should have won.

James Meredith's first goal since October 2012 and Devante Cole's third in four appearances put City well on top. But an own goal off Meredith and another by in-form Billy Sharp earned the Blades an unexpected point.

Parkinson called the game a great advert for the division between two sides who should be contenders because of their back-up resources.

He said: "It is a tough call because the league is so competitive. A lot of teams' starting XIs are strong.

"Where Sheffield United and ourselves will hopefully benefit is in having a bit more strength in depth.

"Billy Clarke and Josh Morris were not available and Filipe Morais is unavailable. Chris Routis was also ill.

"It's the same with Sheffield United. Their bench is a strong one and that gave them a lift.

"We don't disappoint the Sky cameras. Every time they come here, there is always something.

"A few years ago we played Coventry and that was a good advert for the division. This was the same.

"We would love to be talking about the three points but I did think we were excellent.

"It was an absorbing game with so much happening. It was a real proper game of football with both teams having a go."

Brad Jones made his debut in goal after Ben Williams was axed and Parkinson was pleased with the Australian's performance. It was his first game since being injured for Liverpool at Burnley on Boxing Day.

But the City boss also insisted the door remains open for Williams to regain the starting slot.

Parkinson said: "I thought Brad did well. He is a positive keeper who wants to come for things and he also showed that with his kicking.

"It was harsh on Ben, who has been tremendous for us. A few years ago when we had one of our best seasons, we had Dukey (Matt Duke) and Jon McLaughlin competing. We made changes and it was unfortunate for who was left out.

"Ben is not pushed to one side. They are both competing. We conceded a poor goal last week but the way he responded was great."

Parkinson felt Cole was off the pace in the first half and slow at times to react. But that changed when he scored within two minutes of the restart.

The Bantams manager said: "Devante is still getting up to speed with the rest of them. You can see that every day in training he has work to do to get up their levels – but he hasn't had too bad a start.

"I also thought that was Mark Marshall's best performance. He got some tremendous crosses in the box and worked hard for the team.

"(Sheffield United defender Jay) McEveley had to come off at half-time because he had twisted him so many times. They probably thought he was going to get sent off.

"We tell Mark 'do what you are good at – get down the outside and get crosses in the box while being positive all the time'. He did that."