Graham Alexander wants Alex Gilliead to decide his own Bradford City future, and has admitted fellow midfielder Kevin McDonald will struggle for game-time this season.

Gilliead has been offered moves in the transfer window after not being in the matchday squads for either of the Bantams' first two games of the season. There are reports he turned one down last week.

Manager Alexander spoke with Gilliead at lunchtime on Wednesday and stressed the ball was entirely in the 28-year-old's court.

“I want Gilly to make the decision that he sees best for his career,” he said.

OUT OF FAVOUR: Bradford City midfielder Alex Gilliead (right)

placeholder image — OUT OF FAVOUR: Bradford City midfielder Alex Gilliead (right)

“When a player is 20-21, I think we almost have to direct them with the value of our experience of what the future could potentially look like either here or somewhere else.

“When players are like Gilly at 27-28, you have to have a good conversation and paint a picture but then the decision has to come from him.

“That’s how I wanted to be treated at that age.

“I’m not going to keep anyone here as a prisoner who doesn’t want to be here.

“Gilly is aware of the situation. He has had interest from other clubs because he is a good player and a good character.

“But we’ve got really strong competition that was already here and strong competition that’s come into the club and players of Gilly’s age, I believe, want to play week in, week out. The decision will be down to Gilly.

“He asked me a couple of questions and I gave him honest answers. Now it’s down to him to think about his future."

Former Premier League midfielder McDonald, who was caretaker manager before Alexander's arrival last season, has not played for the Bantams since March's 3-0 defeat at Harrogate Town.

"I had an honest conversation with Kevin at the end of last season because I knew we would be recruiting players," said Alexander. "I felt he would have very limited game-time.

"No one has to sit in front of me and tell me what a good player Kevin McDonald is but I have to make decisions I feel will benefit the future of Bradford City.

"I thought it would be very difficult for Kev to break back into the team so he's considering his options. He still trains with us every day."