James Hanson has championed Alan Connell’s cause for a City starting slot.

Connell, pictured, is pushing for a recall against Barnet on Saturday after his stunning equaliser as a substitute at Accrington.

He has not begun a league game since the opening day and fellow striker Hanson believes he should be in the reckoning to face League Two’s bottom club.

Hanson said: “I think he’s deserved a chance, especially with Nahki (Wells) being out. He came on and showed a great attitude against Accrington. It was good that I had someone there to link up with and I definitely think we can play well together.”

Hanson is relishing the prospect of back-to-back games at Valley Parade after City collected their first away point at the third attempt.

He added: “We’ve had a tough start and I don’t think many teams will pick up points at Gillingham or Rotherham.

“Accrington was another hard place to go so it was important we got something and now we can look forward to playing two games at Valley Parade.

“The gaffer has always said we must win our home games and then look to get some points away. Hopefully we can really kick on now.”

Meanwhile Phil Parkinson has told City’s two goalkeepers that there is nothing between them.

Jon McLaughlin is set for his first home appearance of the season after Parkinson axed Matt Duke for the Accrington trip. But the Bantams chief has made it clear there is no obvious first choice.

He said: “I’ve got two keepers who are very similar in terms of ability.

“I explained to Dukey last week that it wasn’t like he’d had an horrific game at Rotherham and I was dropping him for an 18-year-old untried keeper.

“I just felt that Jon looked sharp at Watford and had another good game for the reserves in the week. You’ve got to go with your gut instinct and I just felt Jon was right.

“Dukey obviously wasn’t happy and I wouldn’t be if I was him because he started the season well. But as the manager, you’re paid to make decisions.”