James Hanson can be the big winner from Craig Fagan’s arrival at Valley Parade.

The former Hull and Derby striker is ready for his first home outing against AFC Wimbledon tomorrow after a brief run-out as a substitute at Crawley.

But rather than pushing Hanson out, Fagan has been tipped to bring more out of the big man’s own game.

Hanson has been the butt of some criticism from fans this season and Phil Parkinson snapped up free agent Fagan to share the workload up front.

City legend Dean Windass believes Hanson will benefit from Fagan’s experience and the pair can work well together.

He said: “Craig Fagan can certainly help James. He isn’t a hold-up player but more one of them who runs behind defenders.

“He’s very quick and very willing and I can see it being a good partnership if Phil plays them as a front two.

“People forget that James is still learning the game. He has come up from non-league and this is only his third season (as a professional).

“He will improve as he learns. Watching him recently, I’ve noticed more about him. James is getting more clever. He is starting to create fouls and starting to back in to defenders to win free-kicks.

“He’s learned that it’s not just a case of flicking things on and hoping they fall for your team-mates. He’s learning more about the role and having someone like Fagan with him can only be a good move.”

Windass played alongside Fagan at Hull when they won promotion to the Premier League in 2008. The 28-year-old is looking to rebuild his career after missing the whole of last season with injury and Windass can see the Bantams reaping the benefits.

“It’s difficult to get back in when you’ve been injured that long, so Craig’s going to be desperate to play games,” he said.

“He has always been a very fit lad and he will work his socks off. Phil knows that from having him at Hull and Colchester and that’s why he’s got him in.

“Craig’s obviously trying to find his feet again. But he’s got a manager that trusts him and Bradford have got themselves a very good player.

“He’ll score goals and if he’s not, I’d always have him in the team. No disrespect to the other strikers at the club but at that level Craig Fagan could be a massive signing.

“He’s a Championship footballer and will want to get back up there. Craig will see Bradford as a stepping stone to help him do that, so he’s going to be hungry to do really well.”

Windass is also pleased to see Jamie Devitt fitting in. He briefly worked with the on-loan Hull youngster during an ill-fated spell at Darlington.

He said: “Jamie’s a great lad but the problem is he looks a bit lightweight. That’s why he is playing at this level.

“He’s probably not strong enough physically to cope in the Championship but he’s a threat on the ball and has settled in quickly at Bradford.

“You can see with the players Phil’s bringing in that he is trying to improve the squad. Julian (Rhodes) and Mark (Lawn) are backing him well and I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before things get better.”