STUART McCall has dismissed "ridiculous" promotion talk as City look to bounce back against Doncaster tomorrow.

The Bantams are two points ahead of last year after ten League One games despite Tuesday's loss to Fleetwood.

That was only the second defeat so far for McCall's men, who sit handily placed in fourth spot.

Yet he insists the league position means nothing so early on – and will have little bearing on where City will finish.

McCall said: "I just look at the points, not the table. We need to keep to a certain level.

"We are two points ahead of this stage last season but sometimes it also depends on others and how well they do. It can be misleading.

"Sheffield United won it with 100 last season but the year before Wigan had 87 as champions.

"We can't have any control over supporters or anyone to think what they do.

"But this is a staff and dressing room with enough experience to know we are doing okay, though knowing there are a lot of strong sides in this league.

"It is about consistency. We are more than happy with the points we have at the moment but we have to keep it going.

"To talk about where you aim to be in May now is ridiculous. So many things can happen.

"You only have to win three games and things change; same if you lose three games.

"Momentum can be won or lost and it's the same with belief. Injuries can come into play.

"Let's just concentrate on now. You can't look miles ahead."

The Fleetwood defeat saw City lose ground on leaders Shrewsbury and they will be wary of a Doncaster side who have already won at Valley Parade in the Carabao Cup.

Peterborough and Oxford were other surprise losers in midweek to underline the competitive nature of a tight division.

McCall said: "It is certainly no easier this time. Budgets have gone up at certain clubs, including our opponents tomorrow. Bury are another who pay well.

"The three teams who came down are strong, particularly in terms of squad depth. January could also change things. What happens then will be key.

"Teams like Southend and Charlton, for example, have not been able to put out anything like a full squad yet, so I expect more to come from them.

"Plus, you look at teams like Scunny (Scunthorpe), who are very solid and will expect to start moving up the table. There are a few like that.

"Compared to last year, Blackburn probably fill Bolton's shoes due to the experience they came down with – and Wigan are similar.

"Rotherham have had a good couple of results at home lately, scoring five both times.

"Some decent teams came up too. Doncaster have done well – they were unlucky at Arsenal and battered Plymouth."

City remained in the play-off places throughout last season and lost only seven games. The consistent start to the new campaign has already got some dreaming of taking the next step after the Wembley agony in May.

But McCall warned: "To talk about where you are going to be in May at this stage is unrealistic.

"Everyone has their opinion, of course they do. We certainly don't look too far ahead because it is such a long season.

"But we have come through a difficult month. Results like the Fleetwood one will happen but the lads are steering their way round the course well at the moment."