FRANCOIS Zoko has been promised more than just a support role during his City stay as they try to lock down Jon Stead's future.

All six of the Blackpool striker's loan appearances have been off the bench and his 11-minute run-out against Notts County last week was his longest.

But Phil Parkinson is convinced that Zoko, who has another fortnight left, still has time to make an impression.

The Ivorian's only goal this season was a rare winner for the Championship basement club Tangerines against Cardiff in October.

But he was inches away from doubling his tally in stoppage time on Sunday with a shot that bobbled away past the post. Parkinson sees that as evidence of the impact their borrowed frontman can make.

The City boss said: "We brought him in because he gives us something different to what we've got.

"There will be a moment when he gets us a goal and he really takes off for us. I'm sure of that.

"He nearly got one last weekend and it looked like it was in all the way. It was unlucky but it was down to the anticipation, which is what he's all about."

Zoko is yet to finish on a losing side – his arrival has coincided with the unbeaten run which has lifted the Bantams into the League One play-off pack. But he has found opportunities strictly limited behind the impressive form of Stead, Billy Clarke and James Hanson.

Parkinson said: "Sometimes it happens when you come to a club and that competition drives other players on. That's what has happened with Francois.

"But he's training well and he's ready if and when he's called upon. We train quite hard here and he's done really well."

Stead's position is in the spotlight with his loan from Huddersfield due to expire after today's FA Cup tie at Millwall.

Terriers boss Chris Powell confirmed that the clubs are in talks as City push to keep the experienced forward.

Stead, who is out of contract in the summer, has been a revelation during his loan spell but is not thought to be in Powell's plans.

Powell said: "I've spoken to Phil Parkinson briefly. Discussions are ongoing and we will see what happens after Millwall.

"Jon has gone there with the right attitude and done very well. I'm sure the Bradford fans are really pleased with him.

"I've sent him a text but not got one back. But I'm sure he is just concentrating on the Millwall game."

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Dylan Mottley-Henry is on stand-by for a possible debut at the Den.

The pacy young winger, who has been an unused substitute for three games, could be thrown in for dead-leg victim Filipe Morais.

The Portuguese's short-term contract runs out over the weekend and MK Dons, one of his former clubs, are the latest to be linked with him. Bolton watched Morais in City's latest victory.