CITY will come out fighting against promotion rivals Walsall on Saturday, Phil Parkinson today vowed.

The Valley Parade showdown with the third-placed Saddlers has taken on an even bigger significance for the hosts following the midweek defeat at Coventry.

City's advantage on seventh place – which was eight points at one stage last week – has now been trimmed to two.

But Parkinson is convinced his side can dust themselves down after two tough away results and stressed that performance levels remain high.

He said: "Win, lose or draw (at Coventry), it was always going to be a big game at the weekend. Saturday will be massive and we've got to pick ourselves up. That's all we can do – but it's still in our hands.

"I've got to say that I'm so proud with what we've done over the last two games. We are all very low after that defeat because we didn't deserve it.

"We came to a fantastic stadium, relished the challenge and played some great football. We just need to regroup and move on ready for the Walsall game."

Walsall are chasing Burton for the second automatic promotion spot. They are currently three points behind with a game in hand and a better goal difference.

After Millwall leapfrogged them into fourth, City are now looking over their shoulder at the chasing pack closing up behind them.

Yet Parkinson insists there is no danger of the Bantams showing signs of flagging going into the final three games.

The Valley Parade boss said: "I can't ask for any more in terms of the way the lads are committed to the cause. They have been absolutely tremendous.

"We're all bitterly disappointed because it's not through a lack of trying. It's not like we're missing chances on purpose.

"We win together and take the plaudits and when we lose we all take it on the chin. That's what we'll do and we'll come out fighting at the weekend against Walsall."