Paul Jewell insists he has full confidence in his Bradford City side ahead of their clash with Arsenal despite making strenuous efforts to bolster his squad over the past fortnight.

The Bantams had been hoping to capture strikers Stan Collymore and Jorge Cadete in time to face the title-chasing Gunners at Valley Parade.

However, Aston Villa's decision to price Collymore at £3 million has ended City's interest while Cadete has been unable to travel to Bradford due to illness.

That means City look likely to go into the Gunners clash with the same forward line that started the 3-2 victory over Watford.

And Jewell said: "It is no secret that we have been trying to bring someone else in this week but for various reasons that hasn't happened.

"We are disappointed but I think it is important to stress that this doesn't mean we think the current squad is not good enough to face a side like Arsenal.

"That is not the case and I know we will fight tooth and nail against Arsenal. I could have signed ten players this week for the sake of it but I don't think that would have improved the squad.

"I only want the right players coming to Bradford City. Much has been made of the fact that the two targets of ours which leaked out were strikers.

"But it is worth noting that we looked very good going forward against Watford. The 3-2 scoreline certainly flattered them.

"We will be going into the game with the same squad that has won us 21 points this season so far. Facing Arsenal will be a different world from Watford, but I have every confidence in us on Saturday."

Bantams' relegation rivals, Derby and Sheffield Wednesday, meet at Pride Park on Saturday so any points City can pick up could prove vital.

City are hoping to see Lee Mills, who missed the Watford clash through a hamstring injury, return to the squad.

Jewell said: "Lee has missed training this week but we are hoping he will be back in time to be available."

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