STEPHEN Darby has no problem with being overlooked for the captaincy on his City return.

Stuart McCall elected to keep Romain Vincelot as skipper in Saturday's draw against Millwall so that the defender could concentrate on his own game.

Darby delivered a typically measured display in his first league outing of the season, topped off with two vital goal-saving blocks.

McCall was impressed with the defender's performance after sitting out the whole of pre-season while he recovered from treatment to clear his long-running groin injury.

The Bantams boss confirmed that the regular skipper did not have a beef over not being handed the armband and said: "Darbs was fine. He just got on with it and gave a fantastic display.

"I had a word with him but only just before the game. I just felt he had enough to concentrate on without that as well.

"To go away to Millwall and make your first meaningful game start, I think he had enough on.

"Millwall put the boy (Gregg) Wylde up against him, who is quick, and Darbs had enough to focus on. Would he be fit enough? Would he last the pace?

"It was almost like making his debut back after three months.

"So I named Romain captain again – but you know what I'm like, I never make a big issue of it. We've got a lot of leaders in that dressing room and it showed second half."

Darby had his first run-out in the Checkatrade Trophy last Tuesday when he played 79 minutes in the win over Stoke under-23s. Playing at the Den was another step up but McCall was confident that he would come through.

Tony McMahon is hoping to join in training later this week, earlier than anticipated from his torn calf muscle. So the City boss is looking forward to a real battle for the right-back slot.

McCall said: "What we do have now is strength in depth. McMahon has probably been one of our best players in the early part of the season and Darbs has come in and played really well.

"I said to him before the game, the other night (against Stoke) was a nice one to ease himself back in to. Coming to Millwall and being under the intensity, you've got to defend in the wide areas and everywhere.

"But he actually seemed to get stronger in the game. His fitness levels were terrific and he got two crucial blocks for us, one great tackle across and one block.

"I don't expect anything else from him because he's a terrific professional."

McCall has been boosted by the sight of several faces returning to the fray at Apperley Bridge.

Rory McArdle joined in full-contact training yesterday, while new recruit Marc McNulty had a strong running and finishing session with Vincent Rabiega.

McNulty will train properly this morning providing there is no reaction after his slight hamstring strain. Haris Vuckic, the other deadline-day recruit, is also expected after flying back to England yesterday.

McMahon and James Hanson are pencilled in to work with the squad on Thursday.

McCall will be keeping his fingers crossed Josh Cullen emerges unscathed from international duty in Serbia today.

The midfielder is in action for Republic of Ireland under-21s in their European qualifier in Novi Sad, having played the full game on Friday when they beat Slovenia 2-0 at home.