CITY will give Filipe Morais as much time as possible to make Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Reading.

Phil Parkinson this afternoon confirmed that the Portuguese winger was “progressing well” after missing the last three games with a knee injury he suffered at Leyton Orient.

Midfield lynchpin Gary Liddle returns to the squad after serving his two-game ban for picking up ten bookings.

Parkinson was relieved that Tuesday’s win over Crawley beat the weather to go ahead – and allow Liddle to feature at the weekend.

The City boss said: “I was delighted it went ahead for many reasons, one because I wanted to get back to winning ways but also because Gary is a key player for us.

“As much as we’ve been playing this game down, let’s be honest, it is a huge game for everyone so to miss out through suspension would have been tough for Gary. I’m pleased for Gary that he’s available.”

It will be an emotional occasion for Parkinson, against the club where he made 425 appearances in an 11-year spell.

Parkinson said: “We wanted a home draw and we got it and to be playing one of my old clubs is personally special. It will be a special day because it’s a game of such importance.

“I’m really looking forward to it. I’ll see a lot of friends who are coming up for the game but once the dressing room door closes, there’s no sentiment at all.

“We’ll be doing everything we can to progress us into the next round.”