Keith Gillespie could have a bit-part role in City’s promotion push – but not as a player.

The Northern Ireland winger, currently without a club after leaving Sheffield United in January, has been training with the Bantams.

Stuart McCall insists that is as far as it goes and Gillespie is with the club for fitness purposes rather than on trial.

But he believes the 34-year-old’s wealth of experience may prove a benefit by rubbing off on the younger players around him.

McCall said: “There’s nothing in it with Keith, other than that he is training with us.

“He lives in Harrogate, I’ve played with him before and he just wants somewhere to keep his fitness up.

“It’s the same situation we’ve had before with Wayne Allison and Bruce Dyer.

“They both trained with us for a bit but nothing more and I let him come down as well.

“Keith might be here another week or he could be gone tomorrow. That’s entirely down to him.

“But if anything, his experience and professionalism might help with the others while he’s training here.

“Any little bit he can pass on to the likes of Joe Colbeck or the younger ones, then all the better. But he’s definitely not with us with a view to anything.”

Gillespie, the fourth-most capped player in Northern Ireland history, recently had a trial with Leeds but was not offered a deal.

Gillespie did not play in today’s private friendly against Sheffield United at Apperley Bridge.

But Chris Brandon came through unscathed as a young City side went down 2-0.

Brandon, who played just off front man Rory Boulding, stayed on for 65 minutes.

McCall said: “Last week he wanted to stay on for the full 90 minutes and woke up a bit stiff the next day. We want him to be able to kick on so we’re being careful.”

Kyle Nix and Simon Ainge also featured, with Boulding twice hitting the post.