NAHKI Wells scored 53 goals in a City shirt – only four of them when James Hanson was not alongside him.

They were the deadly double act that spearheaded the successful play-off assault in 2013 and accounted for six of the eight goals to ease past Burton and Northampton into League One.

Wells used to say they "ticked all the boxes" together and remains a huge fan of the big man two years after ending their partnership when he crossed the M62 for Huddersfield.

Hanson has gone on to claim third place in the club's list of leading scorers – but is no longer a shoo-in following the emergence of Jamie Proctor.

Phil Parkinson will decide between them for Sunday's play-off first leg against Millwall as he continues to assess the condition of Hanson's troublesome calf.

There is genuine competition for that role now – and Wells thinks it is a timely "kick up the backside" for his old attacking ally.

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus on the eve of his old club's Valley Parade opener, Wells said: "This is the first time I can remember Hanson not starting a game and Bradford having another alternative to play.

"But I think that's better for both parties. It gives Hanson a kick up the butt to keep up his 'A' game and also gives the manager the other option.

"He wants to see other people popping up with goals and not just relying on his main striker. That's the sign of a good team."

Hanson is one of the survivors from the last Wembley visit and Wells believes that strong thread through the team will play its part in the coming games. He too can see the signs of three seasons ago.

The Bermuda striker said: "Going up is definitely possible. You've got five of the 2013 team left – the captain Darby, Rory, Hanson, Reidy and Meredith – and they are all strong players.

"The spine is there. They know what it takes (to get through the play-offs) and what it's like to get promoted.

"Bradford are in good form right now and it brings back memories of the 2013 season.

"I do recall us not being in the best shape going into the Capital One Cup final and after that we went on a run to push into the play-off places.

"Not conceding was a platform for our success and that sums up Phil Parkinson and the way he approaches games.

"It's a difficult task but I know what Parkinson is like in big games. He will get the team right up for the occasion and in a big game at Valley Parade, that could be the difference."

Wells, now looking forward to his summer break after an 18-goal season in the Championship, believes City can emulate their previous play-off success if they can overcome Millwall.

"I think if they can get through these two legs, in a one-off game Bradford will be able to do it," he said.

"It's a tough ask because Millwall are no pushover but they know what it's like. Look at the table, just one point between the teams, so it's a match of fine margins.

"It looks the hardest tie for them but that's the way it is. When we got promoted, Northampton was the toughest tie but it actually ended up being the easiest.

"It was the biggest occasion and look how we coped with it. The two legs against Burton had been much tougher."

City are making their fourth appearance in the play-offs and each time they have hosted the first leg – but they overcame the odds in 1996 and 2013 to overturn home deficits in the away game.

Wells said: "Burton were major favourites after they had beaten us at our place. They were very good at home but that tie was never in doubt because of the way we played there.

"Going down to Millwall second isn't going to be easy but I just think the solidarity that Bradford have right now is so important.

"With Parkinson sides, if you can take the lead you can't see them losing. They are solid and have all that experience.

"It's difficult for Bradford but they have got the players and the manager to do it."