Dean Windass is set to hand Colin Todd a huge pre-match boost by declaring himself fit to face Carlisle at Valley Parade tonight.

City's leading scorer is on course to make a speedy recovery from the kick on the calf he suffered at Swansea on Saturday.

Todd will also give winger Lee Holmes as long as possible to see if he has shaken off a twisted ankle.

"The injuries aren't as bad as we first feared," said the City boss.

"We've got to be cautious and will not rush anyone back if they're not ready but there is a chance."

Both players missed training yesterday while they had treatment with physio Steve Redmond.

But Windass looks the most likely to make it and his presence would be a major bonus as the home side aim to bounce back from successive away defeats.

Tonight marks Todd's 100th league game in the Bantams hot-seat - but he is only bothered about the three points.

"The statistics mean nothing, although it's been 100 games under restrained circumstances," he said.

"But you remain positive and I'd like to think we can respond from the double disappointment of losing at Brentford and Swansea.

"I've stressed to the players that we have to be more resilient. Playing as well as we have done in those two games and coming away with nothing is very difficult to accept.

"We have been a bit unlucky but now we've got two home games we must capitalise on. We're playing two teams above us, Carlisle and then Port Vale, and the incentive is there.

"If we win tonight, we'll go above Carlisle and it's always nice to look at the table and see we've moved up a few positions."

If Windass does make it, Todd will yet again face the question of which striker to pair him with.

Neither Eddie Johnson, who started at the Liberty Stadium, nor David Graham pushed their claims on Saturday.

"The other two strikers have to contribute in the manner that Deano does," said Todd.

"He caused a lot of problems in the first half and had two good chances which on another day he'd have put away. Unfortunately the cohesion wasn't there when he went off."

Todd may be forced into his first midfield change of the season should Holmes not recover in time. Ben Parker, a natural left-sided player, or Joe Colbeck are in contention to come in.