PHIL Parkinson is hungry for another City cup run this season so he can splash the cash on further squad building.

Parkinson, who is closing in on an unnamed target for a long-term loan, admits a lucrative run in a knock-out competition is the best way to generate recruitment funds.

After the incredible march to Wembley in 2013, City fell at the first hurdle of all three cups last season. The board have stressed that is an area that must improve this time.

City kick off in the Capital One Cup again at League Two Morecambe tonight, with Parkinson well aware of the stakes.

He said: “The problem with the cups last year is that we were obviously at full stretch adapting to a new division. We also had some tough draws. But to make a challenge on several fronts throughout a football season, you need a squad with real depth in it.

“For us to be able to achieve that depth, we probably do need to generate some money.

“To get to where we want to be, it would be great to progress in at least one of the cup competitions. We want to get a big tie, put some money in the bank and invest it in the squad.

“We’re eager to do well because we want to keep our performance level high after Saturday. But we also know that progress can bring with it financial rewards – and every club in the bottom two tiers need those.”

With Jordan Pickford barred from playing in cup ties by Sunderland, City will have to make a switch in goal.

Former Hibs stopper Ben Williams will get the nod providing his official clearance comes through in time. Otherwise Matt Urwin stands by.

Parkinson said: “We’re still waiting on the clearance but hopefully Ben will be able to play. He’s a good keeper and a solid character.”

Swiss defender Christopher Routis is also waiting on red tape so he won’t be involved but there could be other changes in the team that Parkinson will finalise nearer to kick-off.

Billy Knott (calf) and Billy Clarke (hip) are both nursing minor knocks while Gary Liddle and Andrew Davies were rested from training yesterday.

That could mean an opportunity for Mo Shariff and Filipe Morais after signing last week.

Morecambe began the campaign with a bang by beating Dagenham 3-0.

Parkinson, whose two previous visits there as City chief have ended in draws, knows his side must be on their toes.

The City chief added: “We had them watched on Saturday and saw them twice in pre-season. All the reports came back saying they are a good side.

“Jim Bentley always producing hard-working and honest teams up there and there are some good footballers as well.

“They had a great start winning at Dagenham. They will be buoyed by that but equally we’re in a confident frame of mind after a good result ourselves.

“I thought there was a freshness about the team (against Coventry) and that’s what we’re hoping to achieve. There’s a different personnel and different look.”