Andy O'Brien is waiting for the all-clear to speed up his return to the heart of Bradford City's defence.

The highly-rated centre half has been sidelined for six weeks since breaking his collarbone in a clash with Leicester's Ade Akinbiyi.

O'Brien has started training again with his team-mates but is banned from doing anything more physical than running as the injury heals.

But he is hoping a visit to the specialist will give him the green light to step up his recovery bid.

Bantams boss Chris Hutchings said: "Andy has got to avoid contact at the moment but hopefully he will be able to do a little bit more before too long.

"We are just waiting to see the specialist in the near future to decide if Andy can step up and join in the physical stuff.

"But obviously that will depend on the specialist."

O'Brien, one of Valley Parade's walking wounded, has had to sit out City's last seven matches after starting the season well against Liverpool and Chelsea.

He has also been forced to miss the Republic of Ireland under-21 matches against Holland and Portugal.

Hutchings admitted: "Andy continued in the form with which he finished last season and his partnership with David Wetherall was working well.

"Getting injured so early on is obviously a big blow and it shows the pitfalls of the game."