BRADFORD CITY AFC

Phil Parkinson has boosted his goalkeeping ranks ahead of the forthcoming season by recruiting promising shot-stopper Jordan Pickford on loan from Premier League side Sunderland.

Pickford, 20, has penned a loan deal with City that will keep him at the Coral Windows Stadium for the whole of the 2014/2015 campaign.

Fresh from completing his loan move to the Bantams, Pickford could now make his first appearance in City colours this Tuesday evening in the club's friendly at Ossett Town (kick off 7:30pm).

Pickford signed a new four-year deal with the Black Cats only last month and is thought of by many of Sunderland's coaching staff as someone who could go on to become their future number 1.

The highly-rated 'keeper already has experience of playing in League 1 after finishing the previous (2013/2014) season on loan at Carlisle United.

The 2013/2014 season ultimately ended in relegation for Carlisle but it still didn't stop Pickford from keeping seven clean sheets in eighteen League 1 games for the Cumbrians.

Despite his tender years, Pickford has also enjoyed loan spells with Darlington, Alfreton Town and Burton Albion over the course of the past couple of years.

The 6' 1'' goalie has been called up by England at under 16, under 17, under 18 and under 19 level.