BRADFORD CITY AFC

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson was glad to be able to report that the vast majority of his squad are now back in full training after overcoming the affects of a recent stomach bug.

City's preparations for Tuesday night's home fixture with Notts County were severely hampered by illness in the camp, with the sextet of Rory McArdle, Matt Taylor, James Hanson, Nahki Wells, Alan Connell and Kyel Reid all picking up some strain of the virus.

Thankfully, all six players have now recovered and can be considered for selection for this Sunday's Sky Bet League 1 fixture at Oldham Athletic. Only Caleb Folan and a small handful of youth team players remain troubled by the bug.

Parkinson gave his players two days off following the draw with County to prevent any illness spreading any further amongst the squad.

With the group now almost collectively back to full fitness again after the problems of earlier in the week, the Bantams boss feels the mini-break was the right thing to do.

Parkinson said: "Things are looking a lot better now.

"Caleb Folan and a few of youngsters are still affected but everybody else was in today and trained. It was nice to see everyone back out on the training pitch ahead of Sunday's game.

"It was essential that we cleared the building and gave the lads those two days off (Wednesday and Thursday). It seems to have helped matters certainly.

"Hopefully we will reap the benefits of that on Sunday."

With his squad now virtually back to full fitness again, Parkinson has hinted he might have some selections issues on his hands, especially considering the roles played by substitutes Nathan Doyle and Mark Yeates in City's second half comeback against County.

Parkinson added: "I was really pleased with Mark's contribution when he came on Tuesday night, in particular how he has got his goal.

"Nathan coming on at half-time had a role to play as well, along with Alan Connell, who came on later.

"I'm pleased that our substitutes have come on and made an impact in recent games - that is what we have been looking for.

"We need everyone ready for this busy month of December, starting this Sunday at Oldham."

Due to City's lack of involvement in next weekend's F.A Cup with Budweiser Second Round ties, the Bantams' fixture at Boundary Park will be their last for thirteen days until they welcome Leyton Orient to Valley Parade in the middle of December.

Parkinson: "We haven't got a game the following weekend, so Sunday is an important one for us.

"It would be great to go into that little break in games in good spirits and still in a healthy league position.

"Oldham are on a good run at the moment - they have been enjoying some positive results recently - so Sunday should be a exciting game.

"I believe we are due to bring a large following to the game so hopefully we can give them sometime to cheer about come the final whistle."