City are set to receive a major boost with the loan signing of Republic of Ireland international Colin Healy.

The Barnsley midfielder was due to train with his new team-mates this morning and could debut in Saturday's FA Cup clash against Crewe.

City boss Colin Todd is relieved to be able to bring former Celtic star Healy on board as his squad bid to shake off their recent poor form.

Todd said: "Things have been agreed with the player and his club. We just need to get confirmation on the finances to see if Barnsley can help us with the wages.

"It's good we're getting Healy in as we are a little bit short in midfield. We're short elsewhere as well but we can only do one position at a time.

"He has got plenty of ability and we're looking for him to get the ball and create stuff for us."

City were missing Marc Bridge-Wilkinson against Brighton, meaning left back Ben Parker was pressed into the central midfield role.

But if Bridge-Wilkinson does not win his battle to be fit this weekend, Healy may slot straight in for the Valley Parade showdown with Crewe.

The player is keen to resurrect his career after enduring a nightmare spell with injuries.

Healy broke his leg while playing for Sunderland at Coventry in December 2003 - and then fractured it again during his rehabilitation. He did not make a comeback until March earlier this year, playing for Scottish Premier League side Livingston having briefly returned to Ireland to contemplate his future.

Barnsley signed Healy during the summer and Tykes boss Andy Ritchie has used him as a substitute in eight Championship games so far, receiving a standing ovation from Sunderland fans when he appeared at the Stadium of Light last month.

Ritchie wants to see him gain more game-time and City have seen off interest from Port Vale to bring Healy to Bradford.

Todd said: "He's been involved on the bench and played two cup games at Barnsley. He's had some bad luck with those leg breaks but he's over all that now. His fitness levels are good and he's only 26."

Healy debuted with Celtic and made 48 appearances before leaving for Sunderland in 2003.

He won the last of his 12 international caps against Switzerland that year, having famously missed out on a World Cup spot in 2002.

Healy was on stand-by when Ireland skipper Roy Keane sensationally walked out in Japan but his registration was not completed in time to feature.

Meanwhile, City duo Richard Edghill (hip) and Bridge-Wilkinson (hamstring) are progressing with their injuries but Lee Holmes (ankle) is looking doubtful for Crewe.