MARK Hughes has dismissed any criticism of City midfield duo Richie Smallwood and Alex Gilliead.

The pair have come in for stick in some quarters following the back-to-back defeats against Northampton and Leyton Orient.

But Hughes stressed they are a pivotal part of the team and have his full confidence.

“I think they’ve been very good this season,” said the Bantams chief.

“If you say the last two games have been affected because they haven’t played as well, I’d suggest it’s difficult when you go up against good opposition.

“You want everybody to play well and it’s not always possible.

“I’m not sure it’s a general view that those two are the ones that haven’t done as well as they can.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for their ability. You’re looking at two games where maybe the team as a whole hasn’t been quite where it needs to be.

“But Richie and Gilly have been great this season.”

City skipper Smallwood is an ever-present in League Two since his summer arrival from Hull. He has missed only two games when he was rested in the Papa Johns Trophy.

Gilliead has been his regular partner since being moved full-time to a more central role under Hughes.

He added: “They are there in a defensive capacity and an attacking sense.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Alex Gilliead has been converted to a central midfielder Alex Gilliead has been converted to a central midfielder (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“We talk about balance and it’s about understanding when to attack and to defend.

“It’s their organisational skills as well. We’re not a team that’s large in terms of the volume and people speaking on the pitch.

“But Gilly and Richie drive that because they are arguably two of the best at it. They will always give us that.

“They are two good players that have proved that over a long time in their careers.

“I’ve no qualms about them as individuals or members of the team. They are doing as well as they can, given the circumstances that sometimes present themselves.

“I see them every single day, the way they work and no doubt there are going to be occasions when the opposition will affect how effective they are.

“That can happen to anybody but I’ve no worries about those two. They are excellent for us and will continue to be.”