Phil Parkinson has warned Burton that they will see the “real” City at the Pirelli Stadium tomorrow.

Thursday’s off-colour display came as a nasty shock for the Bantams boss, who is confident there will be no repeat in the second leg.

City’s season is on the line in their 63rd game and Parkinson is backing his players to bounce back strongly from that 3-2 home loss.

He said: “Let’s be fair to this group, they’ve been outstanding this season. We need a big performance and we want to play well and come out of the game with credit.

“Whatever the outcome we want to come off the pitch after a performance that can do the season justice. Do that and we’ll see where it takes us.”

There has been little time to dwell on City’s defeat because of the quick turn-around between play-off legs. Parkinson thinks that may help to clear their heads.

“Play-offs do strange things some times, especially the first game. Players have to settle into it and we got punished.

“We know the play-offs can create an edginess but this season we’ve worked our socks off as a team.

“Thommo’s goal was great for us and makes it an interesting game. We’ll have a real go down there to keep our season alive.

“People said we were favourites going into the first game but the tables have turned now. The onus is on Burton.

“The challenge for us is to play at our best. The mood in the dressing room is one of determination because we’ve played well all season.”

Kyel Reid will face a late check as City assess his fitness but the winger, who made a difference when he came off the bench on Thursday, seems a likely starter.

With City’s defensive woes in the first game, Andrew Davies is set to come straight back from his one-game ban on the ground where he suffered the knee injury which kept him sidelined for almost four months.