STUART McCall is relishing the chance to claim another high-flying scalp on the road as City begin a lengthy spell without goalkeeper Colin Doyle.

The Bantams boss is excited about the challenge of taking on surprise League One leaders Shrewsbury just a week after beating highly-fancied Wigan on their own patch.

Things have not gone to plan in the meantime, with the disappointment of a 2-1 home loss to Scunthorpe made worse by news Doyle could be out for up to three months.

The Irishman saw a specialist yesterday after damaging medial knee ligaments against the Iron and is expected to be out for between eight and 12 weeks.

Striker Alex Jones is also likely to be out for a month but McCall insists there is no doom and gloom as City look to right a wrong from last season.

He said: "There is an excitement about going to Shrewsbury. Our away form is very good, we want to continue that and we believe we can.

"It was probably our worst away performance of the season there last campaign when we were so flat in a defeat.

"There is no reason to be flat this time. We will be backed by good support and obviously we are playing the top of the league, so it is a good challenge and one we're looking forward to.

"We are expecting a real physical, demanding game because they are strong, fit lads.

"But we don't want it to turn into a battle. We want to do what we've done at other places like Peterborough, MK Dons and Wigan and go to play our football but we must make sure we are switched on – certainly at set plays."

On the loss of Doyle, McCall said: "It is a big blow for him and for us but unfortunately that is football and injuries are part and parcel of the game."

Rouven Sattelmaier is ready to step in for Doyle, having come on at half-time for him against the Iron.

Although he was at fault for the free-kick which clinched victory for the visitors, McCall has faith that the German and his fellow countryman Lukas Raeder can do a good job covering.

"Rouven when called upon last season did well in the games he played and him and Lukas will battle it out for the number one jersey," said the City chief.

"Rouven has the edge in experience and I'm sure if he gets the nod he will be looking forward to doing a good job."

With the Bantams already missing Adam Chicksen (thigh) and Timothee Dieng (hamstring), they have been dealt a further blow after Jones turned his ankle in training.

McCall said: "It was just something innocuous as he was all on his own and has gone over on it after turning sharply. It was worse than we thought."