Farsley boss Neil Parsley has praised the attitude on his former Bradford City defender Patrece Liburd.

The Celts have a tight squad this season, due to their financial plight, but Liburd has still found himself on the bench more than he would like. Yet despite his frustrations, he has been a diligent worker.

Parsley said: “Patrece has shown a wonderful attitude to the game and the club. I feel really sorry for him because he lost his place months back and hasn’t had the chance to break back in.

“He was sent off, harshly I thought, against Stalybridge Celtic and that cost him his place because his replacement did so well.

“He trains hard, is very positive and upbeat and always has a smile. He is in the dressing room before every game, knowing he is not starting, geeing all the lads up, and he goes out after the game to go through his warm-down routine.

“Patrece epitomises the spirit of the lads we have here this season. None of them are here for the money and they have all pulled together in difficult circumstances for the good of the club.

“Mark Jackson (player, coach and under-19s manager) and Josh Radcliffe have forged a great understanding and have been first-choice centre backs. But I can assure Patrece that he will have a big part to play this season.

“There are a lot of games still left to play and, with back-to-back fixtures almost every week, the squad will be stretched. Even Dom (skipper Krief) didn’t get straight back in the starting line-up after serving a one-game ban for picking up too many yellow cards.”