City are braced for a bruising start to pre-season against Partick Thistle tomorrow.

The Bantams headed north today for the two-game Scottish tour as they increase the build-up to next month's First Division campaign.

Nicky Law's side, who have played closed-doors friendlies against Bolton and Barnsley so far, kick off the proper matches at Partick's Firhill and then face Raith Rovers on Tuesday.

And chairman Gordon Gibb has warned new-look City to expect a physical examination against a Partick side who tuned up by thrashing Ayr United 6-1 in midweek.

Gibb, whose late father Robert was vice-chairman at Hamilton, said: "Scottish clubs are always more than keen to put one over the English and it's not going to be pretty. For once we will be seen as the glamour boys in the next two games. We are the football haves playing the have-nots.

"I've always been a big fan of Scottish football because it is extremely frenetic and physical.

"It will be no gentle introduction and I'm sure these games will be a good test of the strength in depth we now have in the squad."

Danny Cadamarteri and Lewis Emanuel are the only senior players not making the trip as both continue injury rehabilitation at Lilleshall.

New Zealand international keeper Mark Paston is in the 24-man squad which also includes midfielder Joey Hutchinson, on trial from Birmingham.

Gibb added: "Returning to Glasgow is like going home for me. That's where the family association with football stems from and it's tremendous honour to be going back there with Bradford City.

"A lot of senior executives and officials from my father's time at Hamilton are now employed by Partick Thistle. It will be good to meet them again at such a positive time for our club.

"Nobody is going to be crass enough to predict where we can finish in the league but we are all very upbeat about our prospects."

Partick will parade Faroes international Jakub Mikkelsen in goal.

New signing Mikkelsen, capped 37 times by the islanders, recently defied Germany for 89 minutes before conceding two late goals.

City fans travelling to the game are advised to take junction 16 off the M8 and pick up signs to the ground.