CITY are considering fitting Billy Clarke with a protective mask so he can feature in the play-offs.

The Irishman fractured his cheekbone in last week’s win over Chesterfield and had an operation on Tuesday.

Phil Parkinson admitted it is unlikely the striker will be ready in time for Sunday’s semi-final first leg with Millwall. But he has not ruled him out beyond that.

Parkinson said this afternoon: “We are going to get a mask fitted for him at some point.

“But we’ll wait and see on that one. We’ve got to listen to the surgeon.

“I think Sunday will come too early. You’ve got to let the swelling go down properly to get a mask fitted.”

James Hanson has still not trained this week because of his calf problem. City also continue to monitor Reece Burke, while Steve Davies missed training today with a cricked neck.

Parkinson added: “We’ve got players to come in. Like we’ve showed in recent weeks, Hanson and (Filipe) Morais were excellent and when they came out the team (Jamie) Proctor and Clarke do very well.

“It doesn’t really weaken the side in my view.”