Simon Ramsden is preparing for a second stint at Lilleshall Sports Injury Rehab after making big strides on the comeback trail.

Phil Parkinson believes the injury-ravaged defender could be only three weeks away from rejoining City for full training.

Parkinson has been delighted with Ramsden’s improvement from spending a week at the specialist centre in Shropshire, so he is keen to send him back there for more.

He said: “Simon’s progressing really well. He’s mentally very positive and physically looking a lot stronger.

“He’s back with us for a few days and then he’s going to Lilleshall for another week. They are pleased with him and, if all goes to plan, he should be back in training within three weeks or so.”

Parkinson is not surprised at the impact that the first spell of intensive treatment has had with Ramsden. The one-to-one sessions – which are paid for by the Professional Footballers’ Association – ensure the injured player gets priority attention.

“I’ve been to Lilleshall as a player myself and know the difference it can make,” said the Bantams boss.

“I had injury issues at the time which seemed to be going nowhere. But getting eight hours a day of solid treatment just focused on you was fantastic.

“It can be a bit soul-destroying being injured and coming in (to the club) every day. You can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“Physios can work with players all the time and sometimes it needs someone else to step back and assess things.

“Simon’s gone away to a different place, hearing a different voice, and he’s buzzing. I’m confident we will get him back and I don’t think it will be too long.”

City should know more today about Jamie Devitt’s fitness after he spent the last two days with Hull for treatment on his hip.

The Irishman is a doubt for Saturday’s trip to Burton, although Parkinson believes his problem is nothing serious.

He said: “It’s more muscle fatigue rather than an injury. It’s not a long-term problem but whether he is fine for the weekend, we’re not sure yet.”

Parkinson also confirmed that Steve Williams has returned to full training after playing only once so far this season.

Williams, who was told by previous boss Peter Jackson that this was a make-or-break year, has been frustrated by a thigh strain which got worse when he came back too soon.

Parkinson said: “It’s good to have Steve back with us and now it’s a case of building him up.

“Obviously I’ve seen him play and he is capable of performing at this level. He has good athletic ability and we need to get him going.

“It’s been a bit stop-start for him in the early part of the season but hopefully we’ll have him there sooner rather than later.”