Port Vale v Bradford preview

Team news for Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy quarter-final clash between Port Vale and Bradford at Vale Park (kick-off 7.15pm).

Last Updated: 03/12/12 at 18:45   

Pope: Missing through suspension

Pope: Missing through suspension

Leading scorer Tom Pope is one of three Vale players suspended for the cup tie.

Pope netted his 21st goal of the season in the FA Cup second-round defeat to Sheffield United on Saturday before receiving his fifth yellow card of the campaign late on at Bramall Lane.

Defender Richard Duffy and midfielder Ryan Burge were also booked for the fifth time in South Yorkshire and all three players will miss the Northern Area quarter-final clash against the Bantams while they serve a one-match ban.

Some good news for manager Micky Adams sees the return to contention of Liam Chilvers after the centre-half, on loan from AFC Telford, was cup-tied at the weekend.

Skipper Doug Loft was an unused substitute against the Blades but he might get a run out on Tuesday night as he works his way back from a calf injury.

Bradford manager Phil Parkinson is expected to make several changes, with goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin set for a recall.

Parkinson has no new injury or suspension problems, but has made a habit of utilising his squad for cup matches this season and hinted he will continue the theme at Vale Park.

"In every round of the competitions this season we've made five or six changes and that's not sending out a weakened team, that's always playing a team I feel was right to get a result in the game," Parkinson said.

"We always said all the players we brought to the club since the summer are good enough to play in the first team and sometimes in the midweek games, putting in players with fresh legs can be the best way forward and so far that's worked well for us."

Winger Kyel Reid (groin) and striker Zavon Hines (ankle) are not yet ready and defenders Andrew Davies (knee) and Luke Oliver (Achilles) are out with season-ending injuries.

Midfielders Gary Jones and Will Atkinson, plus striker Nahki Wells are hoping to return to the starting line-up.

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