STUART McCall has delivered a public vote of confidence in City’s strike force as he admitted the search for another forward was “not close”.

City remain in contact over several targets but that could take right up to the close of the transfer window in just over a month.

They were one of the lowest scorers in League One last season – a record that McCall is keen to rectify now he is back in charge.

But the Bantams boss, who welcomes back James Hanson against Carlisle tomorrow, insists they have the strikers to cope while the hunt continues.

McCall said: “We’ve got Hanson, (Jordy) Hiwula and (Billy) Clarke and there’s also Fil Morais who can play in behind as a number ten.

“I want to play two up front most games so I would like four out-and-out strikers.

“But all three lads I’ve got at the moment up there can score goals at this level. It’s getting the best out of them.

“It would still be nice to get another one in and that’s what we are working on until the loan window closes.”

As revealed in the T&A earlier this week, Bristol City’s Kieran Agard is among those being considered. But that has been played down by the Championship club and it would seem City’s best chance of landing the 26-year-old would be if they let him out on a loan basis.

McCall admitted they have been frustrated by the wage demands of some of their targets but will keep chipping away.

He added: “At the moment some of the money quoted isn’t realistic to where we are.

“We have spoken to people but I wouldn’t say we are close to signing anyone.

“Sometimes a player maybe wants to hold off if he thinks he can get to a higher division.

“And if you’re trying to bring someone established in from a higher level, they will be on decent wages already.

“There are also ones who haven’t got contracts at the moment. Their demands will be coming down nearer the window because they want paying and that security now.

“Or the player can gamble and wait because they could become important to lots of teams after August should the clubs get a few injuries.

“There are a significant number of free agents floating around. We’ve got an eye on a few at the moment.”

Hanson and James Meredith return for the final friendly at Valley Parade. Tony McMahon and Paul Anderson both trained fine yesterday and are expected to line up against the League Two visitors.

Former Raith Rovers left back Rory McKeown has been kept on from the midweek trialists as cover for Meredith, who is likely to play an hour. Midfielder Liam Agnew is not expected to feature again after appearing in four friendlies.

McCall insists starting places for next week’s curtain raiser against Port Vale are still up for grabs.

“I wouldn’t have thought the team that starts tomorrow will be the one that starts next week,” he said. “A couple of lads could do with a bit more game time.

“Romain (Vincelot) has only had two 45 minutes for Coventry but he’s a good trainer with good fitness levels.

“We’ve had some really good individual performances in the last few games. I just want the players to go out and put on a display which says ‘right, give me the jersey for next Saturday’.

“It’s not the biggest of squads but there are still decisions to be made. If everyone is fit, I’ve got a few posers to think about.”