STUART McCall will make sure City's young brigade remain grounded when their chance comes.

That is the confident view of Tony McMahon, who has been impressed with the rookie talent emerging in the squad.

Omari Patrick has already started the first three games of the season and made his mark with a debut winner.

Dan Pybus did not look out of place in the Carabao Cup last week and now Jordan Gibson has finally come on board after catching the eye while on trial in pre-season.

Tyrell Robinson was also on the bench at Gillingham to compete with the likes of Danny Devine and Ellis Hudson who have come up through the ranks.

It is a learning curve for all of them but McMahon believes McCall's man-management can help them blossom at the club.

McMahon said: "They are young lads – really young – but they've got the perfect manager who demands high standards and won't let them get above themselves.

"He'll make sure they keep their feet on the ground and work hard every day.

"But it was just the same with us when we had a more experienced squad last year.

"The gaffer demanded high standards every single day, whether we were doing head catch, 11 v 11 or anything. Whatever it was, the standard had to be high.

"That was drilled into us and it's the same for the young players. Every day you have to be on it."

McMahon, stand-in City skipper during Romain Vincelot's suspension, sees Patrick's arrival on the scene as proof the youngsters are taking that message on board.

The Bantams defender said: "Omari is probably the perfect example.

"He's come in probably expecting to be nowhere near the first team and working with Sam (Collins) and the under-23s.

"But his attitude has been spot on. He's listened to the gaffer and the older lads, worked hard and he's started the games and done really well.

"Omari has got a lot to learn but he's shown that if you're good enough, you're old enough and the gaffer will put you in."

Midfielder Devine was on target in Tuesday's behind-closed-doors game at Wigan, which also saw two-goal Shay McCartan, Alex Gilliead and Paul Taylor get through the full 90 minutes.

McCall said: "It was a good work-out. A few senior lads needed some more game time and it gave them the ideal opportunity."

Charlie Wyke hopes to join in full training today but will not play any part against Blackburn at the weekend. The centre forward has not been involved since tearing his hamstring during the pre-season training camp in Austria five weeks ago.