STUART McCall admitted he was glad to get the Newcastle game out of the way after City were put to the sword in pre-season.

Rafa Benitez's side cruised to a 4-0 win at Valley Parade last night – with all the goals coming in the second half.

McCall said: "It's a difficult watch for the punters because they want to see us attacking and going forward. The realisation is when you know what you're up against and the quality.

"They had strength and pace all over the park and you saw Jonjo Shelvey's passing ability.

"We were absolutely delighted with the work ethic of the boys in the first half but we were always going to tire. They brought a lot of fresh legs on and we've got a few injuries at the minute.

"We knew it was a massive step up, even from Saturday against Sunderland.

"It's not enjoyable when you're on the other end of it. I've played in games when you've not had a kick of the ball and it's really tough.

"But we're not down about the game. It's gone and we'll be positive for the next ten days before we play Blackpool."

City set out with five at the back and Alex Jones playing as the lone striker, with McCall explaining that he told them to treat it like a "European away tie".

The Bantams boss said: "We played in a way we'll never, ever play in again, certainly at home. But we knew with their quality, we had to put out a shape which we hoped could subdue them.

"We did that until they scored two early goals in the second half.

"It was hard work but I'm pleased we've got it out of the way. We knew it was going to be a night like that."

Timothee Dieng is back in training today but Paul Taylor is still nursing a small knock from the Sunderland game that is set to rule him out at Halifax on Saturday.

Meanwhile, City could be close to netting a seven-figure windfall for Nahki Wells after reports that Reading are set to table a £10million bid for the Huddersfield striker.

Terriers boss David Wagner last night denied there had been any offers for the Bermudian but admitted he was becoming frustrated. City's sell-on option would earn them around £1.2million of that figure.