Manager Benny Phillips made changes to his side between the two disappointing draws over the holiday period but was keen to stress to the players who lost their places that they will be back.

"It is a squad game at every level these days throughout the season but more so at this busy time of the campaign," said the Bradford boss.

"I took Ben Jones and Liam Flynn to one side and told them that they were being rested and Matt Daly to tell him he was only on the bench for the Harrogate game.

"To their credit they all showed a great attitude. They trained hard, travelled with the squad, went through the warm-up with the others and had plenty of encouragement for the lads in the starting line-up.

"They are all members of the squad, they have all played their part in our 12-game unbeaten run.

"All of our squad members are very capable and very valuable to us.

"Andy Lee, Griff Jones, Stu-art Howson and Paul Gedman all came in and that was necessary because they all needed time on the pitch. Andy and Stuart have not been able to break into the team because of the run we have had.

"Griff is coming back from a long-term injury and needed to step up after some games for the reserves.

"Paul got a bad gash and some ligament damage a couple of weeks back so he is also on the comeback trail.

"All of them are as important to the club as the ones who have been playing regularly so we needed to re-integrate them."

Even the club's vice-captain Ross Clegg is waiting patiently for his chance to grab a shirt. He has spent a lot of time on the bench over the last month and his task is harder because of the quality at the club in central midfield.

"I think a lot of Ross and he has worked with me at other clubs before we came to Bradford. I have made time to have a word with him as well," added Phillips.

"I told him that he will get his chance but the way Tom Baker and Steve Connors have been playing there is no way I could upset that partnership. For me, they are the best players in the league at the moment.

"They know that if they dip below that level then they will be replaced.

"One thing in Ross's favour is that it is such a competitive area that the players are likely to pick up yellow cards and the odd suspension."