BRADFORD CITY AFC

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson says Matt Taylor remains very much in his plans between now and the end of the season and he hasn't ruled out the defender breaking back into City's starting eleven.

With the recent return of Andrew Davies after a four-month injury absence, coupled with Carl McHugh's fine display at Wolves last weekend after coming back into the side, it could be seen by some Bradford followers that Taylor has a task on his hands to get into the current Bantams line up.

The imposed defender gave a reminder his abilities at the back this Tuesday, however, when he put in an impressive display for City's reserves against a Leeds United side containing a front two of Noel Hunt and Dominic Poleon.

Parkinson admits there was a time during the January transfer window when Taylor could have departed the Coral Windows Stadium.

With the former Charlton Athletic centre half still in his squad for the second part of the season though following Luke Oliver's recent move to Forest Green Rovers, Parkinson says he is now looking for Taylor to stake his claim.

Parkinson said: "Matty Taylor in our reserve game at Leeds United on Tuesday was outstanding.

"There was maybe a period throughout January where it was perhaps between him and Luke Oliver as to who was going to leave the club. Now Olly (Luke Oliver) has gone and Matty has to fight for his place.

"He has to show us what I know he is, which is a very solid player.

"He is determined to make a mark between now and the end of the season, so he is very much added to the mix of players we have. Carlo (McHugh) is the same.

"He was immense against Wolves, he really was. He put in the sort of performance similar to the ones he produced during our (Capital One) cup run last season.

"He is in a good place at the moment - probably the best place mentally he has been all season - and he adds more great competition for us."