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Bradford have signed former Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates on a three-month contract, in the wake of a long-term injury to Andrew Davies.

Davies, 28, was ruled out for around four months with a knee injury, and free agent Bates, 26, has been brought in as cover at Valley Parade.

Bates was contracted to Bristol City last season after leaving hometown club Boro, making 13 appearances.

He trained with Hartlepool earlier this campaign on a non-contract basis.

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson included the ex-England under-19 defender in the squad for Sunday's visit of Tranmere in League One.