A visit from the Premiership leaders after an early FA Cup exit might not be everyone's idea of the perfect match for a return to form.

But Dean Windass thinks City can put aside the disappointment of Monday's 1-0 FA Cup defeat against Middlesbrough and focus on Premiership survival tomorrow.

The in-form midfield player welcomes the visit of runaway leaders Manchester United as the ideal incentive for the team.

No one did more than Windass to try to inspire City to victory over Boro in this week's third round tie, but he said: "We have got to put things into perspective.

"It would have been nice to go a long way in the FA Cup, but we are not going to win the cup and now we have got to concentrate on our league position. That is and has always been our priority.

"We played well against Leicester in our last Premiership match and beat them and we are looking to carry that into our remaining games.

"I believe we are well equipped to survive in the Premiership. We have a good dressing room and all the players want to stay in this league."

Windass, who is in process of new contract talks with City, has been linked with possible moves to a revitalised Middlesbrough - themselves fighting for survival - and Newcastle United.

He could not have chosen a better opportunity to try and impress with one of his best performances in what is turning out to be a successful season for him personally.

At pitchside was Boro coach Terry Venables while watching from the stand was Newcastle manager Bobby Robson.

Windass who has started new contract talks with City is keen to stay at Valley Parade providing the terms are acceptable.

He said: "I just want to try to keep Bradford in the Premiership and I would like to see out the rest of my career here.

"If the contract is not right then obviously I am not going to stay, but I do want to stay and if the chairman wants that as well he is going to look after me. If the contract is right then I will sign it at the end of the season."

Windass was T&A man of the match against Middlesbrough, frequently coming forward from midfield to have a shot at goal, but he was out of luck.

He said: "We played well against Boro and Jim Jefferies was pleased with our performance, but goals win games and, unfortunately, we didn't score, although I think I had 11 shots.

"I think we were the better side and it was a great goal that they scored to beat us. The manager felt we kept battling well and now we must carry that on into our league matches.

"Manchester United is a good game to have as our next match and the lads are ready for them."