Dean Windass was today hailed as a "true professional" as he prepared to reach another personal milestone.

Windass needs only one more goal to join the elite group who have scored 200 in their career.

His double at Doncaster in midweek put the City veteran within striking distance of the landmark.

This comes at the end of a week when he has been targeted by opposition supporters for being involved in two red-card incidents.

Boss Colin Todd paid tribute to Windass, who is once again among the League One top marksmen with seven goals to his name after 11 games.

"To reach 200 goals in your career is a great achievement," said Todd.

"At 37, Dean is still performing as well as ever and that's a testament to him as a professional.

"The reason why he is still playing is that he loves the game, he has great ability and his fitness levels are excellent.

"It would be great if he could crack that milestone in front of the home fans tomorrow.

"Some have been getting on to him for not being able to score away from home but he put that right with two excellent goals - and that's typical of him.

"Dean is an honest guy and he's no cheat; we've heard the abuse he has had down at Cheltenham and Doncaster but he is a true professional."

Windass will be gunning for that elusive goal for City against Tranmere at Valley Parade - but, ironically, the Bantams provided the opposition when he opened his account as a first-team player 15 years ago.

City were the visitors to Hull's old Boothferry Park ground for an Autoglass Trophy tie in October 1991.

Windass, then still on trial with the Tigers from non-league North Ferriby, was playing in central midfield and scored the equaliser from the edge of the box as Hull came from behind to win 2-1.

In his two spells with City, Windass has notched 81 goals in 202 appearances - putting him fourth in the club's all-time scoring list.

But he will gladly sacrifice a slice of personal glory for another home win tomorrow to keep City in the thick of the play-off hunt.

"We're up there in a great position at the moment and we don't want to lose that momentum," said Windass.

"The most important thing now is to get the three points; the 200 goals can wait.

"I didn't know I was getting that close, and it would be great to get there, but I'm sure it will happen at some point and all I'll be concentrating on tomorrow is making sure we get the three points.

"It's not about me, it's about beating Tranmere which could take us up to second. If I get to 200, I'll be more than happy but only if we have won as well."

  • New WBC light-welterweight world boxing champion Junior Witter will be guest of honour at tomorrow's game.
The Bradford ace will be facing a question and answer session in the Sunwin Stand banqueting suite before the game and be presented on the pitch to fans at half-time.