STUART McCall is backing City to rediscover their clinical side against in-form Oldham tonight.

The Bantams are looking to pick themselves up again after Saturday's 3-1 loss at Bury.

That came as a jolt for McCall's third-placed team, who failed to take a string of chances.

Yet he feels that was out of character and expects more efficiency in front of goal when they face a Latics line-up boasting four straight wins.

McCall said: "I'd be more than pleased if we created the same amount of opportunities that we did in the second half alone.

"We'd like to think we'd take a bigger percentage because we have been clinical this season.

"The opportunities we had weren't half-chances – we had five really good ones. There were also two or three moments when they defended really well.

"Romain (Vincelot) has had three free headers in the box. But you look at the goal he got against MK Dons when he rose above someone.

"We're never pleased to lose but Saturday was a case of little things not going our way. On another day, we could and should have won the game.

"It's not the end of the world. Okay, that's happened, but we didn't come off feeling we were wrong and need to change everything."

Oldham's revival has been spearheaded by caretaker boss Richie Wellens. Paul Scholes has been interviewed for the job but Wellens has a perfect record in charge to press his own claims.

McCall said: "I would imagine Richie has got a strong case to get the job full-time. He couldn't have done any more.

"They beat Peterborough, who were top of the league, went and won at Portsmouth, which is as difficult a place as any the way they are playing at the minute, and then beat Blackburn.

"They also won at Crewe in the Checkatrade Trophy, so they've got the momentum, the confidence and the belief.

"A team that were struggling at the bottom are now not only winning but playing football that deserves it. They are not fluking games.

"So we accept we're up against a side that are in good form – but I'll also back us against anyone at home if we're on top of our game. There's no reason for us not to be if we're a bit more clinical with taking our chances."

Vincelot pounded the ground at Gigg Lane after failing to score but he is now ready to take out any pent-up frustration on Oldham.

The skipper admitted: "I needed to punch something, so it was probably best just to hit the floor. I didn't get in trouble then.

"On the day it was frustrating but now we've had time to clear it out of our minds.

"The way we play, we will lose sometimes, but if we carry on getting wins as we've been doing, we will be fine.

"Every defeat is a reminder individually and collectively that tiny details make a difference."

Scholes remains strongly linked with his home-town club at a time when there are fewer big-name players taking the plunge into management.

McCall can understand if they don't want the hassle of the job.

He said: "As much as it's enjoyable, it can be tough. If you go into it and you're not sure, you'll soon know 'it's not for me'.

"You've seen the likes of Teddy Sheringham and Alan Shearer dip their toe into it.

"From afar you can be a pundit but until you're actually in there and making the decisions, you don't realise."