DAVID Hopkin is looking for Hope Akpan to respond strongly to losing his City starting spot.

Akpan had featured in the previous five games as he tries to build momentum after an injury-hit season at Valley Parade.

But he was on sub duties against Plymouth as Hopkin gave Billy Clarke his first start since returning to the club.

Read more: Akpan produces best display for City on return to Burton

Akpan made a late appearance for Jacob Butterfield – and missed a chance to score the winner when he skied into the Kop within minutes of coming on.

Hopkin felt the three substitutes had an impact in the draw and was pleased with Akpan’s brief contribution.

Now he hopes to see the midfielder repeat the box-to-box efforts he showed against former club Burton last month.

Hopkin said: “I’m delighted for Hope because I want to see the Hope Akpan who was at Burton.

“The substitutes all contributed to the team, Jermaine Anderson, Hope and George Miller.

“We’ve got a bench now where we can change stuff and I think the three subs lifted things again when they came on.”

Five of the bottom eight are in action tonight with only City, Shrewsbury and Saturday’s opponents Walsall not involved.

The Bantams are currently in the relegation zone on goal difference, although that gap could well be opened up again by those games in hand.

But a win at the weekend would take them above Walsall and Hopkin insists the mindset within the squad remains confident.

He added: “We’re still in the bottom four but you only have to look above us. We’ve clawed as many teams in as we have – there are five or six clubs now who are in the dogfight.

“When I came in it was a very difficult job but we’re getting there and staying strong.

“All the players are staying determined to get Bradford away from where they are in the league.

“In November it didn’t look as if we’d be anywhere near it. But the Bradford fans can see this team will give everything for the club.

“The players are disappointed when we’re not winning games now and that’s a good mentality to have.”

Meanwhile, City’s trip to Coventry on Good Friday will now kick off at 1pm after they agreed to move it forward two hours.