MATT Kilgallon is going to take some shifting from City's central defence.

Stuart McCall has been delighted at the way his squad's most senior player has begun the new season.

Kilgallon's form has convinced the Bantams boss to persist with his middle partnership alongside Nathaniel Knight-Percival – and keep new signing Adam Thompson waiting in the wings.

McCall said: "Killa has been outstanding. I think he's enjoying getting a run in the side and he deserves it.

"I don't like playing two left-footed centre halves as much as two right-footed ones – it's not natural for Nat to come out with the ball on his right side. But they are both playing terrifically well.

"Adam Thompson has trained hard, he's a really good type and is desperate to get involved. But at the moment he's behind them."

Kilgallon's first season at Valley Parade was hampered because of injury in January just after he had broken into the team.

But he has started every league game so far – his longest run in the side since joining the Bantams 13 months ago.

Kilgallon played a crucial role in the weekend win over Rotherham with a spectacular clearance off the line.

McCall said: "He was unfortunate last year when he got in the team and was out for three months with his shoulder. But he is earning his chance now.

"We wondered about Killa being able to play Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday but he stood up to it.

"He showed composure at times and his distribution from back to front is very good.

"We won't use him at left back again this season. We'd probably put Nat there if need be – Killa's happier in the middle.

"But he's been really consistent and I'm pleased for him."

McCall will watch improving Northampton at Wigan tonight as he prepares for City's trip to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's side on Saturday.

But with no midweek game themselves, he has tapered down the training programme for those who have seen a lot of recent action.

"The lads have worked really hard lately," said the Bantams boss.

"We'll not have so much of a high-tempo week, especially for those who have played a lot of football. The others will still get some good training in.

"It's a good chance for me to have a look at Northampton. They've had two wins and a draw under the new manager, so it's going to be another challenge for us.

"But I know we'll take a good travelling army down there and I'm already looking forward to it."