Bradford City boss Graham Alexander issues Andy Cook, Antoni Sarcevic and Stephen Humphrys updates
Graham Alexander has explained why Andy Cook missed out on Bradford City’s 2-0 win over Reading - and issued updates on Antoni Sarcevic and Stephen Humphrys.
Cook returned to training in midweek, sparking hope of weekend involvement after a week-long lay-off caused by illness.
However, the veteran marksman did not make the bench for the visit of the Royals.
There may well have been some raised eyebrows but Alexander provided a post-match explanation to quell any speculation.
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Andy Cook omission explained
He said: "He was close [to making the squad] because he trained on Wednesday but when I watched it back, I thought he was empty physically.
“With him being out for so long, when you're empty and then go into a fast-tempo game, that's when injuries can happen.
“I just felt there were other players in our squad - it's not just about playing for 20 minutes. We might have to make a sub after two. It's having the ability to do that. That's all it is. He'll have more training time between now and the next game then we'll just have to assess everybody.”
Antoni Sarcevic and Stephen Humphrys updates
Antoni Sarcevic and Stephen Humphrys were both withdrawn in the second half and both appeared to be in some discomfort.
The attacking pair picked up knocks but Alexander is hopeful they will be available for the trip to Leyton Orient next week.
He said: "Sarc just got a little knock in the first half. He felt it when he stretched for a ball. He said he was okay to continue until the end but I just felt, we're 1-0 up, we've got good players to come on to the pitch anyway, and there's no point taking risks when we've got so many games to play. Humps got smashed on the ankle when he tried to go through.
“He just stiffened up within a few minutes. [I am] a bit disappointed we didn't take him off at the same time, but Humps felt confident he could continue. He had a shot and then felt it again. I think they'll both be okay for the next game. But when we've got a bench like we have at the minute, we can put good players on, it's not a problem."
Graham Alexander’s match analysis
Sarcevic opened the scoring for the Bantams before Bobby Pointon wrapped up the three points late on.
Bradford improved considerably after the half-time break and Alexander was pleased with what he saw.
The Bantams boss said: "I think it's a really strong performance, a really strong performance. It was a really tight game, certainly in the first half. They had their threats, Sam [Walker]'s made a couple of good saves. We had threats as well.
“A draw scoreline at half-time was probably a fair assessment of the first half. We just had to keep our discipline in the second half, not get frustrated at anything.
“Don't worry about it, just keep getting on the ball, keep making things happen, and make sure our press is on point to limit the chances. I thought the second half was a real performance of control.”