PHIL Parkinson is demanding a return of the “Bradford spirit” at Barnsley tomorrow after admitting he had run out of patience with a few under-performing players.

New keeper Brad Jones will not feature but otherwise Parkinson insists the City team will represent his strongest available.

He said: “We’ve had the period waiting for people to get up to speed. For me, the team I pick tomorrow is the best I feel is ready to play.

“The challenge for all the lads is to keep hold of the shirt.

“I said it might take a while for the first XI to evolve. People have had chances but haven’t taken them, others are waiting in the wings and deserve theirs.

“We had the lads in yesterday afternoon to watch the Gillingham video. I don’t think there was enough out there in terms of the Bradford spirit and determination we’ve known – and that didn’t sit easy with me.

“If you get beaten, then fair enough. But get beaten by being really committed, hungry and determined – I didn’t see that on Tuesday.

“The only player not ready is Brad. We’ve got to be fair to him because he’s only had a week and a half of training.

“But Ben is doing fine and pulled off some terrific saves the other night.”

New loan captures Reece Burke and Lee Evans are both straight in the squad and Parkinson believes both can make a difference.

“Reece has had a taste of Premier League football last year and he’s a good, youth athletic centre half.

“Evo is a midfield player who’s played Championship football and in the promotion season for Wolves. I think he’s a terrific signing for us.

“Everyone knows we were always looking for an addition at the back. I’ve also not been happy with the midfield at the start of the season so because of that we’ve moved quickly and brought someone else in.”

Parkinson is in no mood for excuses after City’s poor start – and is expecting a proper response in the Yorkshire derby.

“It’s a wake-up call for a few players,” he added. “I take the responsibility like I always do but the players have to as well.

“A few have had opportunities and haven’t taken them and now find themselves out the team.

“You can analyse the individual games but nobody who isn’t starting tomorrow can have any excuse.

“For me, tomorrow it doesn’t matter whether we’re playing Barnsley or Torquay away I want to see a proper Bradford City committed performance.

“I want to see every player put themselves on the line for the team and supporters and run themselves into the ground.”