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Bradford boss identifies Defoe as Sunderland's 'jewel'

Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson believes Jermain Defoe needs to be stopped this weekend.

The Bantams host Sunderland in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday and Parkinson suggests January signing Defoe, who has two goals in five outings for the Black Cats, is the major threat to his side.

"I've seen two of their last three games and you've got to say Defoe is the jewel in the crown at the moment," Parkinson, whose side beat Chelsea 4-1 in the fourth round, said on Friday.

"His movement in the box is exceptional, that's why he has such a good goalscoring record. We're going to have to make sure our concentration levels are right.

"Can we stop the balls coming and, when it's in the box, we have to concentrate until the end."

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Andrew Slevison
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