CITY are looking to tie up Alex Gilliead for the season.

The Newcastle winger is currently in his second loan spell at Valley Parade until January but Stuart McCall is hoping the Bantams can extend his stay for the full League One campaign.

McCall said: "It is something we would look to do with Gilly. He's become an important part of the team."

City are hopeful that Newcastle will allow Gilliead to play in the FA Cup on Saturday. That may hinge on giving his parent club assurances that they do want to nail him down until May.

The 21-year-old has found a regular slot in McCall's plans during the first three months of the season after his original half-season stint with City was disrupted by injury.

Gilliead was not involved in the opening game against Blackpool but has featured 16 times since to provide the wide threat following the summer departure of player of the year Mark Marshall.

He had probably his poorest performance in the first half at Portsmouth last weekend but did go on to win the free-kick which led to Matt Kilgallon's late winner.

Gilliead is keen to be involved against Chesterfield this weekend – and believes a cup run can go hand-in-hand with maintaining City's successful start in the league.

He said: "If you're winning games, it's a happy place. It means you're in form and doing well.

"We've got quite a few different competitions coming up, with the Checkatrade (Trophy) as well next week, but there's no reason we can't win all those games.

"I've played in the FA Cup with Carlisle against Everton and that was a great experience. We also went to Anfield in the League Cup earlier that season.

"Playing at these great places and against such good players is all part of the learning. It's a great opportunity – but you've obviously got to take it one stage at a time and that's making sure we beat Chesterfield first."

McCall was due to sit down yesterday afternoon with chairman Edin Rahic and head of recruitment Greg Abbott to consider their strategy for the next window.

Chief operating officer James Mason has suggested that City will look to strengthen in January if they maintain their position among the division's leading pack.

They will also have mid-season decisions to make on Tom Field and Luke Hendrie, with both full backs on loan until the same stage as Gilliead.

Senior left back Adam Chicksen is sidelined until the new year after a recent operation to repair his torn thigh.