Bradford City boss Phil Parkinson has heaped praise on opposite number Phil Brown ahead of this weekend's meeting with Southend United at Valley Parade.

The two sides are currently locked on 31 points apiece in League One, sitting just outside the playoff zone heading into the hectic festive fixture list.

Parkinson knows Southend manager Brown well due to their time together at Hull City, but he will put friendship to one side for what could prove to be a crucial showdown in the race for a top-six finish.

Speaking to Bradford's official website, he said: "Southend are a good side. Phil enjoyed good success with them last season getting them up through the playoffs, and they have taken to League One as well. They are a hard-working and well-organised side who have had some good recent results on their travels.

"You just have to look at the table to see how closely matched a lot of teams are and how competitive Saturday's game should be.I have worked with Phil before at Hull City and Steve [Parkin] has worked with him and Brian Horton during a different spell at Hull as well.

"We know them well and we know they will be dangerous opponents. Phil will be bitterly disappointed to have gone out in midweek in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, especially being so close to a trip to Wembley, but they have been picking up some good results in the league recently."

City suffered their first defeat in 10 league outings last time out when falling at managerless Walsall.