ROMAIN Vincelot has been compared to Javier Mascherano with the way he dictates play from the back for City.

The Frenchman has slotted in to a central-defensive role for the opening five games to cover the absence of Nathan Clarke, Rory McArdle and Matt Kilgallon.

Signed by Stuart McCall as the midfield general, Vincelot has instead been a key figure in a back four that has conceded only twice.

City legend John Hendrie has been hugely impressed with his contribution – which reminds him of Barcelona's Argentinian ace.

And he is amazed that Coventry were willing to sell the 30-year-old halfway through his contract.

Hendrie said: "Vincelot has been excellent. He is like Mascherano, another player who goes back to centre half and stands there and plays football.

"Vincelot has come in and played that role at the back ever so well. You look at his distribution, his composure and his competitiveness. I think he's been absolutely different class.

"I'm scratching my head as to why Coventry let him go. That's a really strange one, to say the least.

"But Coventry have a history of sending players to Bradford – there was myself, Abbo (Greg Abbott) and Martin Singleton."

Hendrie and Singleton were guest speakers at the club's Legends Suite for the win over Coventry that maintained City's impressive start under McCall.

The T&A columnist is delighted to see his former team-mate hit the ground running, despite injuries to several key players.

Hendrie said: "I thought they might suffer without experienced players like (Stephen) Darby, McArdle and Kilgallon – but Stuart has mixed and matched and they are playing great football.

"The first two games were 0-0 but there wasn't a lot wrong. They'd done everything but score.

"There was enough promise to build on and then they had two brilliant wins at Peterborough and MK Dons, both very difficult places to go in this league.

"City were second best for half an hour on Saturday because they were outnumbered in midfield but Billy Clarke dropped into the pocket and he ran the show second half.

"It's pleasing to get so many points on the table so early and that will settle everyone down.

"If they hadn't been getting results, people would be wondering why they are playing this way. There's got to be means to an end. But everybody's delighted with the start and the style of football."

City must do without Tony McMahon as they bid to make it four straight wins this weekend when Oldham visit Valley Parade.

Hendrie admits the right back's absence with a torn thigh muscle will come as a blow and said: "It's a shame because Tony has been excellent as well.

"His distribution, quality on the ball and his delivery is very good. You only have to see the amount of assists he got last year. He has that ability to put balls into the box.

"There will be a good battle for right back when Darby is fit. But if (Mark) Marshall's not doing the job further forward, then Tony can play there as well, so it's competition for places."