Graham Alexander on getting Bobby Pointon in Bantams team

The Low Moor youngster has not been in the squad for the last two games since the City boss changed playing shape at Notts County.

The switch to a wing-back set-up has seen Pointon and winger Adam Wilson both left out completely.

But Alexander has stressed that is not based on them as players and he is working to adapt the teenager to fit in with how he wants the team to play.

“We’ve looked at a couple of players in different positions just to see where they can fit in with the attributes they have,” said the Bantams chief.

“Bobby is one of three or four guys that if we are going to continue with this shape or if we have to change to maybe 3-4-3, we have to see where they can fit in and have a real opportunity to force their way into the team.

“We really like Bobby. His attitude, his commitment, his ability and he’s shown in training that he’s desperate to be involved in the next squad and next team.

“But I always take the view of team first. That’s my priority, the team, the squad and results.”

Pointon has enjoyed a break-out start to his first proper season of senior football.

He has made 10 starts in 16 appearances and scored the Valley Parade winner against Swindon in October.

Alexander added: “We always help any player trying to get into the team but especially younger players who don’t know how the game works.

“They understand that we still think they are very good players. Unfortunately, certainly in my job, there’s a limit into how many players I can pick.

“I don’t want to drop anyone. They are all great lads, good players and it’s been a brilliant few weeks working with them.

“Unfortunately, I have to make difficult decisions but at the forefront of those is the team.

“But that can change at any moment for any player and that’s why they have to keep themselves ready in training. Bobby has certainly done that.

Bobby Pointon celebrates his City winner against Swindon (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“A lot of young players, and I’m not talking specifically about Bobby, go on a steady curve of improvement and think it will be like that for the rest of their careers.

“But there are going to be a lots of bumps and bruises, peaks and troughs, that they have to navigate.

“This is natural for any footballer. I’ve not seen anything in his demeanour or any of the other guys such as Adam Wilson that they are disheartened or don’t feel they have value here.

“From what I’ve seen in training in the last week, it’s made their effort even higher, if that was possible, to show me why they want to be in the team.

“That’s when you know you’ve got a good player on your hands and one you can work with. Without doubt, they will have their opportunities.

“With a club our size and a lot of talk about the depth of our squad, people are going to have to realise there are going to be good players not in the starting 11 and sometimes not even in the 18.”

Pointon signed a one-year contract in the summer and talks are yet to take place about his situation – or anyone else in the dressing room.

No need to rush decisions on players' futures

Alexander insisted he was still getting to know his squad before any decisions would be taken.

“I haven’t had any discussions with (chief executive) Ryan (Sparks) or anyone at the club to do with the players’ futures,” he said.

“I’ve been in just about four weeks and we’re still trying to ascertain everything.

“Ryan’s left me to learn about the players as footballers first, get a competitive team together and you can’t do everything at once.

“I spoke to Stephen Gent on Friday for a couple of hours about January and what we potentially have to do.

“There is time for these decisions to be made. I don’t believe there’s any need to rush with any player at the moment or I’d have heard about it.

“I want to be sure that when we do make decisions on players they are the right ones. To do that we need a little bit more time.”