Long term injury victims, David Hopkin and Gunnar Halle make their competitive comeback for Bradford City Reserves against Manchester United at Valley Parade tonight (7pm).

Both players have been out of action for more than three months.

Hopkin, City's record signing when he joined them from Leeds United last summer in a £2.5m deal, has been on the sidelines with ankle ligament trouble after a nasty tackle in a Worthington Cup match at Darlington.

The 30-year-old Scottish international midfield player played in a private practice match at Middlesbrough ten days ago, but tonight's FA Premier Reserve League game will be his first competitive game.

Halle, an ever present at right back last season, broke a bone in his leg at West Ham at the end of September and has not played since then.

Assistant manager Billy Brown said: "It will take two or three matches for them to gain peak fitness, but when they are fit they will give us more options."

Also making his comeback after injury is midfield player Lee Sharpe who broke down with hamstring trouble early in the match at Chelsea three weeks ago.

"It was the first time he had started a match while Jim Jefferies and I have been here," said Brown, "and he only lasted ten minutes. He has done well in training since then."

United are likely to field only two senior players, goalkeeper Mark Bosnich and centre-half David May, because the rest of the first-team squad are enjoying a five-day break in Spain.

Injury-jinxed Ronny Johnsen had hoped to play but is still suffering from a knee problem.

Last season the Manchester United reserve match attracted a crowd of more than 6,000 and managing director Shaun Harvey appeals to spectators to arrive at the ground as early as possible.

The club are opening the Ciba and Carlsberg Stands. Admission is £3 and £1 for children and senior citizens. Season ticket holders get in free.

Bradford City: Davison, Nolan, Halle, Myers, Sharpe, Lawrence, Hopkin, Kerr, Beagrie, Rankin, Grant. Subs: Worsnop, Morgan, Fishlock, Jones Emanuel.