WEMBLEY-HUNTING Tadcaster Albion have beefed up their relentless pursuit of four trophies with a Bradford City striker.

Lewis Clarkson has been signed for the FA Vase quarter-finalists, who head back to Northern Counties East League premier division title duty at Handsworth Parramore tomorrow.

The 20-year-old Clarkson was recruited by Brewers boss Paul Marshall on the eve of last week’s conquest of hosts AFC Mansfield which confirmed a place in the FA Vase last eight - now just two duels away from appearing beneath the arch.

Clarkson - formerly at Scarborough Athletic after being released from his first club Hull City - was snapped up from the Seadogs by Bradford City 15 months ago.

He played in almost all the Bantams’ pre-season schedule ahead of the current campaign with assistant manager Phil Parkinson declaring he was “one for the future”.

But a hamstring injury kept him out of senior contention and as the West Yorkshire outfit have charged into the FA Cup fifth round after sensationally ousting Premier League leaders Chelsea, at the same time as advancing into a League One play-off place, Clarkson’s first-team chances faded and he weas sent out on loan.

Aware of the exacting demands of the next three months, Marshall swooped to get his man after his release from Bradford.

Said the Albion manager: “He’s only 20 and he’s extremely quick and he gives us even more attacking options.

“He is also available for the cup games, so it’s going to give me the best of selection headaches as we chase four trophies.”

Squad strength has been at the core of Albion’s irrepressible march on a quartet of trophy fronts, though Marshall acknowledged the inherent difficulties in the juggling act of trying to keep everyone happy and involved.

“We have 22 players who could all play for the first team and there is a real good ethos about the squad,” said the Albion boss.

“Wembley is there as an incentive and you just don’t know in football - anyone could lose form, get injured or be suspended any time, so everyone needs to stick together.”

Marshall has midfielder Tom Claisse back after suspension, while Josh Greening successfully came through the tie at Mansfield.

Josh Barrett, another marksman that day, should have recovered from illness that would have ruled him out of the midweek West Riding Cup semi-final against Bradford Park Avenue before it was postponed because of fog.

Nick Thompson and Liam Ormsby, both nursing knocks from last week’s Vase victory, may not be risked tomorrow.

Tadcaster, five points clear of the rest in the NCEL top tier, are expecting a testing examination at hosts Handsworth, who are managed by former York City and Darlington striker Peter Duffield.

“They are a club who have spent a lot of money and they have a decent squad,” added Marshall.

“They beat Shaw Lane Aquaforce 3-1 in the League Cup in midweek, which shows how dangerous they can be. It will be a very tough game.”