Bradford heager via LW heager

The Bantams’ recent form has ensured that high-profile summer recruit Shay McCartan has had to cool his heels on the bench alongside the likes of Alex Jones, Paul Taylor and loanee Adam Thompson.

But McCall is savvy enough to know that the demands of a long season, where injuries occur and form fluctuates, will necessitate personnel changes over its duration.

McCall, whose side welcome Tyke rivals Rotherham United at the weekend, said: “I have got six lads out there training to their maximum.

“A few of them are new ones and they are not getting much game time, so it can be frustrating.

“But our team was as good as it was last year because of the squad. This time last year up to Christmas and the next window we had Nathan Clarke, Filipe Morais, Rory McArdle, Stephen Darby who were not playing, but were training at their maximum to get into the side.

“That is what these lads are doing. The likes of big Adam Thompson, who has just come to the club, is training really well; and McCartan, Jones and Taylor.

“There will be injuries and loss of form. We are renowned for changing it up.

“They have got to be ready as it is the back-up squad that keeps pushing the team all the way.”

Just as City have made a sound start to the campaign, so derby opponents Rotherham are starting to make an impact at League One level following three successive wins.

McCall is quick to acknowledge their threats – who include a player who he thought he had convinced to sign during his time at Motherwell.

He said: “They have won three on the bounce and I was glad they beat Pompey because they had this away-day hoodoo..

“It will be a good test for us. They are scoring lots of goals, but so are we.

“There is no doubt that (Kieffer) Moore is a threat. He is a strong, powerful and good finisher.

“I like Jon Taylor as well and tried to sign him from Shrewsbury for Motherwell.

“I thought I had done the deal. I was stood outside Universal Studios, spoke to him. It was all done, he was coming up to Scotland.

The next minute, Peterborough nicked in and it killed my holiday!”