Dynamic duo James Hanson and Nahki Wells are raring to wreak havoc on League One defences.

Wells has already scored in both City’s games in the opening week – with his strike partner providing the assist each time.

On the eve of their first Valley Parade outing in the third tier, Hanson predicts the partnership that took League Two by storm is more than capable of replicating that success at the next level.

The pair bagged 41 goals between them last term with Wells top-scoring on 26. The ultra-confident Bermuda international has already set his sights on bettering that and reaching the magical 30 barrier.

Hanson insists that is no idle threat. Having made their mark already on Bristol City and Huddersfield, he is confident they can keep worrying any defence.

He said: “We’re confident that Nahki and I will score goals at this level. We know that if we play the right way, we’ll definitely cause problems.

“You look at the Bristol City game last week. We gave them real trouble and on another day probably would have scored a couple more.

“People have seen us from last season and (Bristol City boss) Sean O’Driscoll probably knew what to expect. But even then they couldn’t stop us.

“League One is not really a massive step up. The cup games from last year have given us that confidence after playing against Premier League and Championship defenders.

“If we can perform like we did, then there’s no reason why we can’t kick on.”

Hanson’s game has progressed hugely in the last 12 months and he feels it is the right time for him to test himself against better defences.

The composure he showed to set up Wells for his goal at Bristol City, not panicking when home keeper Frank Fielding came rushing out, was a sign of that maturity.

He added: “As I went round the keeper, I saw the guy running on to the line anyway so it was going to take an unbelievable effort to get that in (from the tight angle).

“Luckily I saw Nahki in the corner of my eye and popped the ball across. I knew as soon as he touched it, it was going to be a goal because he never misses.

“Since I’ve been here, there have been a couple of years when I’ve probably been a bit disappointing and not lived up to how it went for me in the first season.

“But since the gaffer came in, he has improved all parts of my game. I definitely feel ready now to step up to the next challenge and it’s even better to do it with Bradford.

“We know we’re capable of doing well as a team. We started a bit nervous last week but after that goal, we grew more confident and started thinking ‘they are no better than us’.”

Underdogs for the first two games, the expectations shift for the visit of a Carlisle side that shipped five to Leyton Orient on opening day.

Hanson said: “A few of the lads are already joking that Carlisle may come and shut up shop. That could be the case after conceding five at home.

“But we know what we can do. If we win, four points from the first two in the league would be a great start.”