Phil Parkinson believes City’s doomed bid to sign Paul Benson has fired up James Hanson.

Parkinson’s attempted swoop for Charlton’s out-of-favour hitman broke down on deadline day.

But the Bantams boss saw the knock-on effect in Hanson’s “angry” performance in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Gillingham.

The striker missed the best opportunity for a City winner, shooting over after his header was parried by goalkeeper Ross Flitney, but Parkinson praised Hanson for playing like a “real targetman”.

And he reckons the efforts to sign a rival centre forward gave Hanson an extra edge to his game.

“I think there was a bit of anger in his performance because of that,” said Parkinson.

“He won balls that he had no right to, he got in the box and on another day would have scored that (chance).

“But I just wish that performance was at home so our supporters could see what he did.”

* Read full story in today’s Telegraph & Argus