Parkinson in relaxed mood

Bradford boss Phil Parkinson is relaxed ahead of his side's Capital One Cup tie with Wigan on Tuesday night.

Phil Parkinson: In relaxed mood

The Bantams, fifth in League Two, are the lowest-ranked side left in the competition and face the tough task of beating Premier League opposition on their own ground.

But Parkinson wants his players to enjoy the experience and concentrate on doing themselves justice at the DW Stadium.

"It's our reward for a good first third to the season," he told the club's Bantams Player. "It is great day out for the football club.

"We'll take 5,000 fans with us and it's a night we'll really enjoy if we put in a good performance.

"To get a result we'll have to play above and beyond what we normally do and Wigan will have to play below their normal standard, but cup shocks do happen. The only pressure on us is to perform and that's what we'll do.

"We go without a few key players but it's an opportunity for a few of the players who haven't played for a while to get a chance, and an opportunity to give a few youngsters a chance. And what an occasion it will be for the young lads who will at least be on the bench and sample the atmosphere in the ground."

Bradford are without a host of players for the tie, with Ricky Ravenhill suspended, Craig Forsyth cup-tied and Luke Oliver and Andrew Davies joining long-term absentee Kyel Reid on the treatment table.

There are also doubts over midfielder Ritchie Jones, who has a virus, and captain Gary Jones.

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Parkinson in relaxed mood