MICHAEL Collins leapt to the defence of Charlie Wyke after the in-demand striker made an early exit from City’s friendly against Sheffield United at Valley Parade.

The centre forward went off after eight minutes of the 3-2 defeat after feeling some discomfort in his knee.

His departure brought some suggestions that he did not want to jeopardise a possible move, with Sunderland still favourites for his signature.

But that was rejected by both head coach and player afterwards.

Collins said: “I know Charlie and he’s not the sort of person to do that. I know his character and what he’s about.

“If he comes off a football pitch, then there’s a genuine issue. I’ve got absolutely no problem with him coming off, all I’m bothered about is his well-being.

“He said to the physio it was a little bit of a knee issue. I don’t know the severity of it but it was a disappointing one for him and for us.

“We’re well aware of the speculation and everything that’s going on.

“Charlie is a Bradford City player and until we hear any different, I expect nothing less than him coming in and giving his all every day – and he’s been doing that.”

Wyke took to Twitter to hit back at one fan questioning the validity of his problem.

He said: “(I’m) never one to fake an injury like you’re insinuating. I’ll play every minute of every game if I can but when I get a knock I had to come off.

“I couldn’t be more frustrated. I’ve played 45 minutes since the start of preseason (and) it’s nowhere near enough.”

Collins was pleased with City’s overall performance against Championship opposition in their only home friendly.

The Bantams fought back from 2-0 down at half-time to level before Billy Sharp netted a late winner.

Collins said: “It was a massive jump from playing the likes of Guiseley and York and I was a little bit wary.

“I’ve studied Sheffield United for my own personal development and I was very impressed with how they got out of League One with 100 points. I knew this would be a big challenge.

“They are very clever in how they play and allow the outside centre backs to join in and almost become an extra wing-back.

“They are difficult to contain and it was a good test for us first half. But as much as we weren’t in the game, it showed character because the lads hung in there.

“I said to them after that we would not come up against anything as strong as that in League One.

“Second half we were much better and brighter and overall there were some very good performances.”