Jim Jefferies today saluted City's have-a-go heroes as he began drawing up the battle plans for Manchester City.

The Bantams head for Sunday's tough trip to Maine Road with confidence restored by the 3-1 win over Rotherham - a result achieved against the odds by a crippling injury list.

Jefferies said: "It was a massive win considering the number of players we had out. We had one or two playing out of position, but we weathered the storm and deserved it in the end.

"We couldn't match Rotherham physically, and when it was a battle they were the best team. But when it was a football game we were the best.

"We were built to get the ball down, pass and play and we did that for a great spell in the opening 25 minutes of the second half which won us the game.

"It was a victory for football, and very important after last week.

"Before the two home games we were looking to pick up six points out of six. We've only won one of the last three games, but we've only lost two in nine which is a good record - it's how you look at it.

"One or two results have gone for us again which make this league even tighter. Now the pressure will turn on Man City.

"They will be the favourites next week, but we can go in there on a high from a good result. And we've done better this season against the bigger clubs like Norwich and Coventry.

"It's the games against Rotherham and Millwall when you're expected to win that we find more difficult."

Stephen Caldwell, on loan from Newcastle, tightened up a reshuffled back four which included Stuart McCall and youngster Lewis Emanuel to cover for suspended pair Robert Molenaar and Gunnar Halle.

Jefferies added: "It was the first game I've seen us defend by putting people under pressure. We were prepared to throw our bodies in and compete for it.

"Before we've been making it too easy and teams have been queueing up to put the ball in.

"There was also a lot more legs about us which you saw with the terrific run from Lewis which got us a penalty.

"You saw a lot of inexperience in some of the things he did, but the only way he'll learn is by being in there, and I think he's about ready.

"Lewis has just turned 18 so you can understand a bit of nervousness, but I think in the long term he will be a very good player."