Wednesday 17 October 2012 16:14, UK
Bradford midfielder Ritchie Jones has edged closer to a return to first-team action following a run-out with the reserves.
Jones, who damaged ankle ligaments in the summer, has yet to appear for the Bantams in the league this season but returned to Phil Parkinson's first-team squad as an unused substitute for the goalless draw at Rochdale earlier this month. The former Manchester United trainee then played for 70 minutes in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy win at Hartlepool and is expected to be in contention for Saturday's home game with Cheltenham after boosting his match fitness by playing the full 90 minutes in the reserves' defeat at Mansfield. Parkinson may be forced to call on Jones at the weekend as he is currently without fellow midfielders Gary Jones (back), who still several weeks away from a return, and Kyel Reid (groin), who could be sidelined until the new year.
