Middlesbrough today recalled Andrew Taylor from his City loan spell.

Steve McClaren decided to bring back the highly-impressive full back because of an injury to Franck Queudrue, who could be out for up to eight weeks with a knee ligament injury.

He could go straight into the side on Saturday for his debut at Nuneaton in the FA Cup - Boro would not allow him to play in the earlier rounds for City.

The news comes as a massive blow for the Bantams. Taylor, who had appeared 26 times at left back, has been superbly consistent since arriving in August.

Colin Todd admitted: "It's hugely disappointing for us but I rang Andrew this morning and thanked him. His standards have been excellent.

"But the opportunity is there for him now. Middlesbrough have already blooded young lads like Matthew Bates, Lee Catermole and Jason Kennedy and I'm sure he will get his chance now in the Premiership."

Queudrue is not expected to play again until mid-February. It is possible that Taylor could then return to Valley Parade because his loan does not officially run out until the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Steve Claridge has warned City that actions speak louder than words.

Claridge is still confident that the Bantams can have a real shot at a

top-six finish - but only if they start pressing on the accelerator now.

With games against high-fliers Chester-field and Swansea on the way, Todd's men could make serious inroads into the five-point gap currently separating them from a play-off spot.

Claridge said: "We're good enough to do it but it's easy to talk the talk. We've got to walk the walk.

"We've got enough here to do well in this league. Look at us man for man against Brentford and we should be right up there with them.

"We're one of those sides capable of being up there but it's no good just talking about it. We must start doing it sooner rather than later."

City made it five points from three games with Monday's thrilling recovery against the third-placed Bees.

The Valley Parade fans played their part to keep the team going - a point appreciated by Claridge.

"The most important thing is for us to set a tempo to the game because that gets the crowd going," said the veteran striker.

"When we get a tempo we stretch people and all of a sudden there is time and space to really get at sides. Then the fans will get behind you."