STUART McCall believes City are hitting their stride as the season heads into the crucial final phase.

With the transfer window shut and no more cup competitions, the sole focus is on the last 17 league games.

The Bantams host Gillingham tomorrow at the start of a big month that includes clashes with Bristol Rovers, Fleetwood and Bolton.

McCall said: "Every game is a big one now. There are a lot of players who are playing at a good level.

"We've won one, lost one and drawn one in the last three games but I've been really pleased with the level of performance.

"There's a good feeling in the dressing room, a lot of positivity around the club. We've just got to do as much as we can to have a really strong finish to the season."

Nathaniel Knight-Percival should be back in the squad after missing the last two games with an ankle injury he suffered in the last minute against Millwall.

McCall also hopes Alex Jones will be involved after a little niggle with his hip. Rory McArdle had five stitches for a cut above his eye at Oxford but has trained as normal.

Filipe Morais yesterday rejoined Phil Parkinson at Bolton for the rest of the season. He had come to an agreement with City on Tuesday to cancel his contract.

McCall added: "I would have been happy to keep Fil because he's a good player. But I can understand his situation and the deal has benefited both parties.

"Obviously we didn't know he was going to go to Bolton but good luck to him.

"Once you're a free agent, you can go to any club.

"I know he was speaking to a club in Scotland and it looked like he was going there. But obviously Bolton have come in and I hope it works out for him.

"He's had a stop-start season with a lot of niggly things and just needs an injury-free run of games."