Phil Parkinson will spend the weekend mulling over whether Andrew Davies is ready to face Preston.

City’s talismanic central defender is back in full training – and his long-awaited comeback would help to lift the current injury gloom engulfing Valley Parade.

But Phil Parkinson is not going to rush into making the call for Davies to be involved against Simon Grayson’s side.

The City chief said: “It’s too early for me to say about Tuesday. We’ll have to see how that goes.

“He is not too far away with the way he has progressed. His knee feels really strong, which is a good sign.

“He needs to get some really good football training under his belt. Once he’s had a full week, we will assess him over the weekend.”

Davies has not played since October 5 when City won 2-0 at Walsall to go fourth. He underwent knee surgery four days later.

The Bantams, now 13th, have won only one game – and kept one clean sheet against Crewe – in his absence.

Davies was thrown in on his return from a similar lay-off last year, helping his side to a 3-0 away victory over Wycombe.

Parkinson can understand the clamour for his recall, especially at a time when the team have been decimated by injury.

He added: “Seeing Andrew Davies back will be a huge boost for everybody. The lads know he is a very good player – as good as any centre back at this level.

“He is positive in his knee and the healing process has taken place. (Specialist) Steve Bollen wanted to give him three months off to ensure it has been fully healed.

“Now it’s about getting his knee and the rest of his body used to football movements again.”