JOSH Cullen has no qualms about swapping Juventus for Accrington as he begins his second spell for City against the League Two side tonight.

Forty eight hours after rubbing shoulders with the world’s second most expensive player Gonzalo Higuain to christen West Ham’s new stadium, the midfielder kicks off his loan in the EFL Cup first round at one of the smallest grounds in the country.

Cullen, who may start on the bench to protect against a slight knock in Sunday’s friendly, is not daunted by the potential culture shock.

He said: “It’s a big change in opposition but it’s the same game and you do the same job. That’s my only focus.

“Obviously it was good to go up against a team like Juventus. Playing against people of that calibre like Dani Alves and Higuain, who they’ve just bought for £75m, was a great experience for me.

“But I can’t wait to get started with Bradford now and kick on for a good season, hopefully pushing for that promotion that we missed out on last year.

“We had such a good run before the play-offs and it was a real disappointment we couldn’t just get over the line. But it’s unfinished business and I’m back to do all I can.”

Expectations are high among fans at the return of Cullen, whose initial loan will last until January, and he is happy to take on that added pressure. He already feels comfortable back in familiar surroundings.

“People will expect a lot of me because of last time but I’m relishing that,” he added.

“In age terms I’m obviously not one of the senior players but I feel at home here. I know the surroundings.

“There’s been quite a turnover of players and I probably know more about the area and the training ground than some of the lads.

“It’s nice to know the club wanted me back and when I heard the club was interested, I was keen to get the deal done. As a player it’s good to know how much they want you.”

Stuart McCall had hoped to make changes at the Wham Stadium but with Timothee Dieng and Nathan Clarke still out – and doubts for Peterborough on Saturday – he has little room to manoeuvre for now.

He may also opt to leave Matthew Kilgallon out of the squad so the former Leeds defender can continue to build up his fitness with intensive work on the training ground.

McCall is ready for a tough duel against opponents he knows well from his previous spell as City boss, twice winning there – including a come-from-behind 3-2 victory in 2008 after being two down with ten minutes left.

The Bantams chief said: “We want to win there and build the confidence and momentum.There’s nothing better than a cup run to do that.

“But we’re under no illusions about Accrington. I felt for them last season to miss out (on promotion) on the last day.

“It was the only time they didn’t score at home. I watched Soccer Saturday and it kept coming through how they’d hit the bar and the post.

“Then they went out in the play-offs so it would have been a sore one for them over the summer.

“But they bounced back on Saturday with a great result against Doncaster and you always expect a tough game there with John Coleman. He’s doing a good job again.”