Bradford City boss Graham Alexander has confirmed Joe Wright is fit to return for the Yorkshire derby against Rotherham United, while striker Calum Kavanagh edges closer to his comeback.
The Bantams head into the clash with renewed defensive options and encouraging news in attack after weeks of managing without key players.
Wright Back In Contention
Wright has not featured since the defeat at Doncaster Rovers but was included among the substitutes in the Carabao Cup at Newcastle before missing the weekend fixture against Blackpool. Alexander explained that his absence was due to a family matter rather than injury, and the defender has now returned to full training.
“He’s fully fit,” Alexander said. “He was in the squad on Friday but unfortunately he had a family issue that night and couldn’t make the game.
“There’s nothing wrong with him injury-wise, he was back in training yesterday. It was just a difficult situation over the weekend but all’s good.”
In Wright’s absence, Tom McIntyre impressed on his first start while Neill Byrne came off the bench to help secure only City’s second clean sheet of the League One season. With Ciaran Kelly also available, Alexander welcomed the competition for places in his back line.
Kavanagh Building Fitness
There was further encouragement in attack as Kavanagh, who has been sidelined since the final stages of pre-season with a shin injury, featured in a short training match against the youth side. The 21-year-old completed 15 minutes as he continues to build endurance after missing a significant block of preparation work.
“It was only 15 minutes but he played all of that,” Alexander explained. “It’s the first time he’d been involved in anything other than a small-sided game.
“He looked sharp and it’s just his endurance really. We need to build him up because he has missed an awful lot of training and fitness work in pre-season.”
The City manager stressed there would be no rush with the forward, but reiterated his belief that Kavanagh can play an important role once back at full capacity.
“I would like him available sooner rather than later because I think he’s a good player for us. He brings something different but the challenge is on for him to get up to speed as quick as he can.”
Writer’s View
Bradford’s defensive depth looks far healthier with Wright back in the fold, giving Alexander options as he looks to tighten up a back line that has struggled for clean sheets. McIntyre’s positive display and Byrne’s reliability only add to the manager’s choices.
In attack, patience will be required with Kavanagh, but his progress represents another step towards a fully fit squad. With the season still young, having both experience at the back and a fresh forward option nearing readiness could prove crucial in lifting City’s form in the weeks ahead.
