CITY are planning to invest the cash freed up by Eoin Doyle’s exit as Sean Scannell predicts a “bright future”.

Swindon are understood to be paying the bulk of the striker’s wages for his season-long loan.

With Doyle thought to be one of City’s highest earners, Gary Bowyer is now intending to use the space cleared in the budget to fund further recruits before the transfer window shuts a fortnight today.

“It enables us to look at the possibility of bringing a couple in,” said the Bantams boss.

“I was reluctant (to let him go) but the lad wants to play football.

“He’s 31 and if the opportunity is there, he wants to play games.

“On the flipside of that, it obviously frees up funds. I just hope they don’t get taken away from me.”

City beat Oldham 3-0 at the weekend to claim their first win of the season. Strikers James Vaughan and Clayton Donaldson both scored as well as combining in the build-up to Scannell’s first goal for the club.

The winger said: “It was a great feeling but we know we can get better and better. The future looks so bright.

“When you’ve got Vaughany in the team, you know what he can do. He gets goals wherever he is.

“I’ve played with him so many times since I was 18 or 19.

“He brings everything to the team – goals, hold-up play, he gets in behind (defences).

“He’s a big character and you know when he gets after the ball, everyone else follows.

“That’s what you need up top because you know something is going to happen.”

Bowyer is aiming to bring in a direct replacement for Doyle, who netted a late equaliser on his Swindon debut.

But he also earmarked a big role for Shay McCartan after he came off the bench for his first City appearance since May last year.

Having spent last season with League Two champions Lincoln, Bowyer aims to tap into the Irishman’s know-how of cracking the division.

“It’s like a new signing for us,” said Bowyer. “He brings the technical ability, strength and knowledge of what this league’s about.

“Shay’s a great kid. He’s got a really good sense of humour and comes into work with a smile.

“I was delighted to see him back on the pitch because he’s a wonderful talent.

“He’s got the knowledge and experience of this league and has proved what a player he is at this level.

“It’s an area we want to try and improve in terms of numbers. But if we can’t, then Shay McCartan is a wonderful footballer for us.

“The lad needs the love and support of everyone and we’ll see the benefits of that on the pitch.”