Bradford City v Newport County - Bantams told to get on the front foot

Under former Bantam Michael Flynn, one of lower-league football’s up-and-coming managerial talents, Newport are a rising force. Only goal difference is keeping them off the top of League Two.

But McCall will give his team a clear plan and expects them to stick to it, and Reece Staunton’s return should help morale.

“Newport have won five out of seven and are playing at the top of their game,” warned former Scotland midfielder McCall. “Defensively, they are very secure and solid, so it is up to us to play on the front foot and break them down. 

“We must be positive. I have never gone into a game concentrating on how we can avoid losing, particularly at home. 

“Confidence is running high throughout the group and it is a game we are looking forward to. We have to look to hurt them.

“We must go in with an idea of how we can come away with all three points.”

The Bantams have only opened the scoring in three of 10 games this season.

“Harrogate, Stevenage and Lincoln started a lot better than us,” said McCall. “I did not think we started that badly on Tuesday (against Walsall), we just did not manage to get a goal ahead. 

“We are looking at how we can start brighter.”

Staunton is back after two games out injured, and Leeds United loanee Bryce Hosannah could even feature after X-rays allayed fears he fractured a toe against Walsall.

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