DAVID Hopkin is set for a touchline reunion with former team-mate Lee Bowyer, admitting: “I’ve not seen him for 18 years.”

The pair played together in midfield at Leeds when Bowyer was the world’s most expensive teenager with a £2.8 million price tag from Charlton – before Hopkin became City’s record buy.

Now their paths finally cross again as opposing bosses for Hopkin’s first home game at the City helm.

He said: “I like to see anybody that I’ve played with give something back in football. Too many come out the game and don’t do anything.

“I remember Lee was very quiet but he was a winner, athletic and fit. He managed (the pressure) brilliantly and had a good career at Leeds.

“Now he’s into management and probably adds some of the qualities he had as a player.

“It’s something he’s probably enjoying because he’s got the passion to do it.

“Charlton will come and try to play football. They’ve got good players and energy and we need to make sure we can match that.

“We have to make sure we’re on our game and set up knowing what we’re doing.”

With skipper Josh Wright and Kelvin Mellor sidelined by hamstring injuries after the Blackpool loss, Hopkin is prepared to shuffle his stretched resources for his Valley Parade dug-out debut. Wright’s absence in central midfield is a particular setback for the new head coach with Hope Akpan already out with a damaged shoulder.

“He’s experienced and he’s been the captain,” added Hopkin. “I thought he played really well at Blackpool and losing him is a big blow.

“But it’s an opportunity for some of our younger players to come into the team.

“I never make excuses and maybe I’ll need to coach one or two other players to learn to play a different role.

“In the modern game, some clubs can go and buy two or three players to play a certain position.

“I’m not saying we can’t but we have to make sure we’ve got players who can fill in different positions.

“You’ve got to come up with solutions as a head coach.

“In the time I’ve been in I’ve seen improvements in the players in all areas.

“We have to find a system that suits most players. Once we have everybody fit, it gives you options to either change it or add a bit more quality and depth.”