MATT Kilgallon is poised to hand City a timely defensive boost.

The former Leeds, Sheffield United and Blackburn centre half is close to being declared ready for action after sitting out the start of the season on a fitness programme.

Stuart McCall is looking to play Kilgallon in the opening Checkatrade Trophy group game against Stoke's academy on Tuesday.

But the 32-year-old could make the squad for the weekend's home clash with Oldham if he comes through a week's full training without an issue.

With Tony McMahon sidelined for the next month, Kilgallon will be welcomed with open arms by McCall.

The City boss said: "He's been doing the normal training with us since Monday and we'll have to monitor it and see how he goes this week.

"If he comes through okay, then there's no reason why he can't be involved. He is working away well and feeling naturally stronger each day.

"I'm sure he is desperate to play a part and it's something to have half an eye on for Saturday, although the game against Stoke would be perfect to get him back into it."

Kilgallon has not played since May, when he set up two of the goals in his final Blackburn appearance against Reading.

His fitness bid with City was held up for a week by a slight strain but he is now ready to throw his considerable experience into the mix.

McMahon's injury has been confirmed as a grade two – or medium – tear in his thigh muscle.

McCall admitted the stand-in skipper will be "kicking himself" for trying to play on after suffering the initial knock from Kyel Reid.

The Bantams chief said: "He should have come off earlier but you live and learn. Tony had two goals and maybe thought there was a hat-trick on.

"He has been terrific from day one and it's obviously a big disappointment to lose him.

"But injuries are part and parcel of football, as we know. We're probably looking at a month without him but he'll just have to knuckle down and hopefully be back quicker."

McCall, who has not decided which player will captain the team this weekend, has dismissed a rumour from Poland that City were interested in signing Tom Hateley.

The Slask Wroclaw midfielder was on trial at the beginning of pre-season and scored in the friendly at Guiseley.