Bradford City skipper Stuart McCall has hit back at the critics who have suggested that big-money signings may shatter their renowned team spirit.

It has been claimed that the salaries of the Bantams' two targets Stan Collymore and Jorge Cadete would create dressing room jealousy.

But McCall said: "My personal point of view is that I would not be bothered if someone came in on £50,000 per week if he kept us up."

Chairman Geoffrey Richmond and manager Paul Jewell are due to have talks with Collymore and Jorge Cadete next week in the hope they can boost the club's hopes of Premiership survival.

Collymore earns £20,000 plus per week at Aston Villa which is believed to be more than twice what the highest paid City player earns.

However McCall said: "The speculation surrounding the club has been intense this week due to the big-name players that we have been linked with. It has been on television every night.

"People outside the club have claimed that new players could destroy our team spirit but why should this be the case.

"Every signing is a gamble and it is up to the club to decide what is the best way forward."

Meanwhile, City are continuing to monitor the progress of goalkeeper Gary Walsh as he battles to be fit for next weekend's glamour clash with Arsenal.

The former Manch-ester United ace has not played for the first team since late October and underwent a cartilage operation late last year.

City are desperate for Walsh to play with Matt Clarke, who has impressed so well in the past three months, being ruled out by injury.

Clarke was taken off on a stretcher off during the 3-2 victory over Fulham with medial ligament damage and is expected to be out for up to eight weeks.

Boss Paul Jewell said: "We are obviously hop-

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