City should unveil their new frontman today – and will then thrust him straight into action at Rochdale.

Peter Taylor has kept the striker’s identity under wraps because of competition for his signature.

But he expects to have the new man in place on a six-month loan in time to train with his team-mates this morning.

Taylor said: “I think I’m nearly there. There should be somebody coming in and I’m hopeful he is going to play 45 minutes against Rochdale.”

Key midfielder Michael Flynn is also pencilled in for a return to action tomorrow after three weeks out with a stomach strain.

The Welshman has not appeared since the opening friendly at Eccleshill and was left behind for last week’s southern-based games.

But he came back to training on Wednesday and, providing he feels no adverse reaction, will be involved for a half at Spotland.

Tommy Doherty remains a bigger doubt for next week’s League Two kick-off against Shrewsbury, although he has a chance of featuring in the Park Avenue friendly.

Taylor believes City will relish their first opportunity to face league opposition tomorrow.

“We could have done with a few more being fit to play. The injuries have been a bit of a blow for us but it’s going to be a good test.

“I think the players will be really up for it and I’m sure Rochdale will also see it as a good friendly.

“The teams we’ve played against so far aren’t the standard we will face. But during those games, there have always been little testing periods.

“That’s what you want in pre-season. All of a sudden you come under a bit of pressure or you don’t play particularly well, so you look for the reasons for that, whether it’s a rubbish pitch or a sloppy attitude.

“I’m sure after five weeks, you all want the real thing. But the players have got to concentrate on making sure they are in the starting line-up for the Shrewsbury game and nobody would be guaranteed to play in that now.”

Taylor is still pushing to sign Lewis Hunt as cover at right back and trialist David Syers will be given the opportunity to stake a claim as an attacking midfielder when he recovers from his ankle injury. But Taylor is pleased to have filled one gap after snapping up goalkeeping coach Tim Dittmer on a year’s contract to succeed Nigel Martyn.

The City chief said: “I felt it was very important that we had a full-time coach because of the young keepers we’ve got. Tim had four days with us in Essex and the goalies really enjoyed it.

“Tim is still going to do a little bit with Everton’s academy on a part-time basis. But he will be with us during the week and on matchdays.

“Nigel has been good as gold about it. He was offered the job but, unfortunately for us, he wants to be with his family and couldn’t give that commitment.”