Three injured Bradford City stars have returned to action to boost competition for places in Paul Jewell's squad.

New signing Ashley Westwood, John McGinlay and Craig Ramage all played in the Bantams reserve side which chalked up a 2-1 victory over Lincoln City yesterday afternoon.

Their return is a major boost for City although Jewell's plans have been hit by the news that Stuart McCall suffered ankle ligament damage in the first game of the season against Stockport.

Assistant manager Chris Hutchings, however, hopes the former Rangers midfielder will be back in contention very soon.

He said: "Having Ashley, Craig and John back playing is superb news because it gives the squad even more competition, which can only be a good thing.

"We were very pleased that both Ashley and Craig came through the full game while John played for 70 minutes. We wanted to drag that little bit of fitness out of all of them.

"They understandably tired towards the end and hopefully none of them will suffer a reaction to their injuries.

"Stuart McCall is making steady progress from the ankle ligament injury and going along well. Hopefully it will not be too long before he is back and we hope to get him back training next week."

The Bantams reserve side went behind with just 15 minutes to go against Lincoln only for Robbie Blake and Edinho to grab the vital goals to secure a second successive victory.

Hutchings said: "It was very hot but we battled back well.

"And with the three boys coming back from injury it took a lot out of our side so it was pleasing to fight back so late in the game."

City's other major injury victim is midfielder Nigel Pepper who has missed the start of the season with a fractured rib.

Hutchings said: "He is running well at the moment but he pushed himself too hard recently. We must go very slowly with him.

"The problem is Pepps is so keen to get back in action but that has put his recovery back. He has realised that now."

Meanwhile, City will not learn their opponents in the second round of the Worthington Cup until next Wednesday. Twelve Premiership sides will join those teams victorious in the opening round with the draw being screened live on Sky Television's Sports Centre at 10pm.

"Because of the seeded nature of the draw, it will have to be conducted next week," said League spokesman Chris Hull.

The remaining eight Premiership sides involved in European competition will join in the third round.

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