RORY McArdle is confident his shoulder will stand up to play-off combat for City – but is no nearer knowing when he will get it fixed.

McArdle is set to go under the knife in the summer for surgery on the left shoulder he dislocated against Bury in March.

But he cannot book a date for the operation because he has no idea when his season will end.

The Bantams defender admitted: "The shoulder will require it done at some point. But it's a tricky one because we daren't book anything in yet. At this moment, we don't know when the season will be finishing."

City will be hoping their campaign stretches right through to May 30 and the League One play-off final.

But McArdle could also be called into Northern Ireland's plans for the 2016 Euros in France next month. That would leave him little time before pre-season begins again.

"That's another question mark and would throw another spanner in the works – although it would be a nice spanner!" he said.

"If the opportunity comes where I'm included in the (international) squad, I don't want to be sat in a sling.

"The shoulder feels fine when I've got my strapping on. But when it's not, it is a little bit loose.

"All the scenarios are there and it's just a case of crossing that bridge when we come to it. Whether that's the end of this season or further, we'll take it from there."

McArdle has returned to the back four with successive clean sheets against Walsall and Southend after missing nine games. With Nathan Clarke deputising so well in his absence, he had to wait for a recall.

"The lads had been doing so well, so I couldn't expect to walk straight back in the team," said McArdle.

"The clean sheet record is still going and we're winning games. It was a case of biding my time and now fortunately I've got myself back in."

McArdle has reported no discomfort during matches and credits head physio Matt Barrass for keeping any pain under control.

He said: "Baz has been great with the general rehab' work until the shoulder gets fixed properly. He's keeping on top of it and making sure it's as strong as it can be.

"The shoulder's all fine. I'd been training three and a half weeks before the first game, so there's not been a problem.

"We don't know how long I'd be out (after an operation). We'll have to discuss with the surgeon to see exactly what he's going to do.

"Baz and I have had a few conversations about it – and ultimately, at the end of the conversation, we're no further on because we don't really know."