CITY old boy Lee Bullock reckons rookie defender James King has the tools to make the professional grade with his old club.

Centre half King is expected to shake off a slight Achilles problem to feature in Monday's FA Youth Cup tie against Liverpool at St Helens.

He is likely to have a crucial role to play if the young Bantams are to spring a third-round shock against their Premier League opponents at Langtree Park.

King has been on loan with Evo-Stik League outfit Whitby Town, managed by former Bantams right back Darren Williams.

Bullock is also player-coach there and has been impressed with the youngster's three games for the club.

He said: "It's a proper men's game here and he has come in and done a very good job. He hasn't looked out of place.

"He's a skinny 17-year-old kid and last week was up against a lad the same size as James Hanson but probably twice as wide.

"The striker had been around all the non-leagues, and knows what it's about, but Kingy acquitted himself really well. He has also looked good on the ball and not wasted it.

"I like the look of him and he's going to learn a lot at Bradford from watching strong lads like Andrew Davies and Rory McArdle.

"If he keeps developing, Bradford could have a good little player on their hands."

Head of academy coaching Steve Thornber added: "We've had some good feedback about how outstanding he has been.

"It's also taken James out of his comfort zone, which is a good thing. You're in your own little bubble at Bradford but there he's had to play with people he doesn't know. That's all part of his football education."

Winger Dylan Mottley-Henry suffered a knock in training with the first team on Thursday and will have a late test before the Liverpool game.

Midfielder Sam Wright, another second year trainee, is another doubt after just returning from injury.

Thornber showed his squad video footage of Liverpool yesterday, although he is unsure how strong a side the hosts will field. They beat Basle 3-0 in the UEFA Youth League on Tuesday.

After victories over Scunthorpe and Barnsley so far, the City chief sees the trip to Merseyside as another valuable step-up.

Thornber said: "It's the next stage for these lads. They've done well this season in the league we play in but some teams don't test us.

"It will be good to pit ourselves against a Premier League team and see how we go on."