'Pick me' plea from Bradford City striker Thompson (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

'Pick me' plea from Bradford City striker Garry Thompson

7:20am Thursday 9th August 2012 in Bantams By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Garry Thompson says he is feeling fit and sharp ahead of the new campaign

New City recruit Garry Thompson says he is raring to go ahead of Saturday’s Capital One Cup showdown at Notts County.

The former Morecambe and Scunthorpe frontman has been hampered by a hamstring injury during pre-season but played for an hour of Tuesday’s pre-season friendly at Park Avenue.

He linked up well with fellow newcomer Alan Connell and trialist Zavon Hines as well as getting on the scoresheet in the 3-1 defeat.

Now he has declared himself ready for selection at Meadow Lane this weekend.

Thompson said: “Do I want to be involved at Notts County? Definitely, one hundred per cent.

“I’m not sure if the gaffer has picked his starting XI yet but hopefully with my performance on Tuesday night, and getting a goal, I’ll have pushed myself into contention.

I’ve had the problem with my hamstring but I’ve managed to shake it off and am feeling sharp

Garry Thompson

“I know that the other strikers have played well during pre-season and it’s down to the gaffer at the end of the day.

“But I’m fit and available and, if I get a chance, hopefully I’ll take it.”

Thompson, 31, showed some nice touches at Horsfall Stadium and believes he is approaching full fitness.

“I felt really good on Tuesday night,” he added.

“I’ve had the problem with my hamstring but I’ve managed to shake it off and am feeling sharp.

“I’ve trained for the past week now, got 15 minutes against Bury last Saturday and it was good to build on that on Tuesday.”

Phil Parkinson included four trialists at Avenue in Marc Gallego, Jack Mills, Gavin Hoolahan and Hines, who won a penalty which Thompson converted.

It remains to be seen whether any of the four will be offered contracts but Hines certainly impressed Thompson.

“I thought Zavon, Alan Connell and I linked together quite well,” said the Cumbrian forward.

“I know we only scored the one goal but we could have scored ten. I was particularly pleased with how Alan and I linked up.

“You look around the changing room at the players we’ve brought in and we’ll hopefully be challenging this year.

“That’s what we’re building for – promotion is the number one aim.”