STUART McCall insists there is no room for argument when he picks the City team.

He admitted Jordy Hiwula was unlucky to be left out of the side for the 4-0 thumping of Rochdale.

The Bantams boss is prepared to make the tough calls with the resources available in the Valley Parade dressing room.

But he has learned from past experience not to waste time having to justify his selection beforehand.

McCall said: "I remember once in my first spell at Bradford pulling two or three lads over on the training pitch to make changes.

"One lad was arguing that he was absolutely desperate to play and felt he was going to score and another was saying I couldn't leave him out because the opponents were his lucky team.

"I probably spent 25 minutes before going through the team and I never wanted to do that again.

"You obviously show respect to those who aren't playing but you can't have one rule for one and different for others.

"Before the season, I told the players that when I name the team on a Friday or on the morning of a game, I'm not going to go into detail.

"I said to them last week that there would be a couple of harsh decisions but my door is always open if you want to come and see me on a Monday morning."

Hiwula had scored in each of the previous two league games against Sheffield United and Wimbledon but found himself back on the bench on Saturday.

McCall said: "Jordy just got on with it when he came on. He put a couple of passes through to create chances and nearly scored one himself.

"I also had a chat with Haris (Vuckic), Filipe Morais and a few other boys like Nults (Marc McNulty).

"They are all desperate to be involved but I can only say that we've got a good squad and not everyone can play.

"It is difficult. The hardest decision on Saturday was leaving Nathan Clarke out of the 18 after he'd probably been our best player at Morecambe."

City will nurse Vuckic through the week after needing stitches in a foot injury he suffered during the Checkatrade Trophy game.

The Slovenian was not happy with the challenge from Morecambe defender Ryan Edwards, whose studs went through the top of his boot.

Vuckic was able to carry on – and double his tally with a superb free-kick – but admitted defeat half an hour into Friday's training session.

"The top of the foot is a tender area and he was in a bit of pain," said McCall.

"Some people would have sat on the bench, taken the appearance money and pretended they were all right, but Haris was honest enough to say he had a problem.

"He'll do some fitness work early in the week and we'll probably wait until Thursday before he is striking balls again."