STUART McCall is confident City's focus will not waver in training – because they do not want to lose a weekend off.

The Bantams have no game on Saturday because they are already out the FA Cup and are not back in action until a week tomorrow in the Checkatrade Trophy against Cambridge.

But McCall has no worries that the intensity in practice will drop during the enforced break after offering the incentive of an extra breather.

He said: "We've got a bunch here that enjoy training. They know they are going to get worked hard over the next few days but the rewards for that is a long weekend.

"It's not just running them lots, we'll also be developing and learning. If they don't do it, they won't be off. But I've no concerns on that front.

"Saturday was disappointing, frustrating, whatever you want to say. But we haven't got a midweek game so you just get on with it – it's our job to play football.

"Swindon's gone and there's nothing we can do about it now, apart from getting our heads down and training hard."

City had pencilled in a private friendly at Apperley Bridge this afternoon but that had to be scrapped. McCall will instead look to arrange a game just within the squad.

"We were going to have a reserve game behind closed doors but the team we were supposed to be playing have pulled out," explained the Bantams boss.

"We'll probably have a game among ourselves instead with three periods of 25 minutes. We can still have that match situation."

Tony McMahon will continue to step up his recovery from the torn thigh muscle that he suffered at the end of August.

McMahon had an abortive comeback attempt a month ago but then felt the problem on a training jog the day before the Wimbledon game.

He has reported no issues since rejoining the squad, although McCall will bring him on gradually because of the length of his absence.

"Tony is doing fine and he will be back to normal training with us this week," said the City manager.

"But as much as the injury has cleared up, he's been out for 11 weeks. That's still longer than a close season. So he's got to get his fitness levels back up again while making sure the injury doesn't reoccur."

Billy Clarke's minor tear in his calf will make him touch and go for Charlton's visit in the next league game on December 10.

The Irishman has missed three games after aggravating the issue during an outstanding display against Rochdale. Initially it was thought that he had just suffered a bit of tightness but a second scan last week revealed the extent of the damage.

McCall said: "Whether he will be fit for our next league game in two weeks, we're not too sure at the moment."