CITY will give Harry Pritchard as long as possible to prove he is fine to face Port Vale tonight.

Gary Bowyer is optimistic with Dylan Connolly’s chances of featuring as the second-placed Bantams seek a fifth straight Valley Parade victory.

And he hopes Pritchard will be fit enough to join him after the back spasm that forced him off in the win over Crawley.

Pritchard has quickly established himself as an integral part of Bowyer’s team after arriving as Sean Scannell’s replacement in August.

Bowyer said: “I knew he fitted in with what we want to do and the supporters would quickly recognise that.

“He was a breath of fresh air when we first signed him at Blackpool in terms of his attitude and application.

“If we asked him to play centre forward he’d do that, if we told him to play left back he would as well. It doesn’t matter, he just loves playing football.

“He loves taking care of himself. Before he became a professional he had his own personal training business.

“When I met him at the time, you knew straight away this was someone who would have a real good go at grabbing their opportunity.

“The lad has got a wise head on his shoulders and I can’t speak highly enough of him – and he’s only going to get better.”

Pritchard scored his second goal for City on Saturday, ending an 11-pass move that started from a throw-in deep inside their own half, and leads the team for assists.

His versatility will be even more crucial as the Bantams continue to adapt without the sidelined Clayton Donaldson.

But Bowyer’s team have shown they can deal with adversity with injuries and suspensions forcing the manager into regular changes.

Another win against a Port Vale team without a success on the road would equal their best home run since the 2017 Wembley campaign.

Bowyer added: “Everybody connected with the club now really looks forward to going to the games. That’s how it should be.

“Obviously winning helps but the manner in which we’ve won at home especially is particularly pleasing both for me and the supporters.”

The Bantams boss turned to the crowd and urged them to make more noise in the tense closing stages against Crawley.

“It was the loudest they’ve been this season,” he said. “We were digging in and could have just done with a bit of vocal support and they fully obliged for us.”