Bradford City manager on Andy Cook's chances for derby game

The striker was due to step up his comeback in a practice game yesterday as he eyes a place in the squad for Saturday’s Valley Parade showdown with Huddersfield.

Cook scored twice in an emotional return off the bench in the Vertu Trophy last week.

He was not involved at Doncaster and will be desperate to be a part of City's first league clash with the Terriers for 18 years.

“He will be but we all have to understand that this team has been performing really well without Andy Cook,” warned Alexander.

“We’ve got loads of good players who are all contributing to winning games.

“I think Cooky will be the first one to recognise that it’s not a one-man show at this club. He understands that.

“His goals have elevated him from previous seasons but I believe the level of the squad we’ve put together has improved. The level has gone higher and he’s got a challenge on his hands.”

Cook’s double in a short cameo against Grimsby lifted him to joint-fourth in City’s all-time scoring list alongside Dean Windass. They were his first goals since Boxing Day when he netted twice in a win over Port Vale.

Alexander added: “The good thing about it is that he came back into that game last week and put a marker down for everybody else.

“He’s shown the new lads that haven’t played with him before that he’s the real deal as a goal-scorer.

“But we are not a one-man show and I don’t want the pressure built up around Cooky to carry this team. They have shown brilliant form for a long time.

“But it’s always good to have more good players and Andy Cook is certainly one of those. He can score goals.

“We’ll be delighted to have him back but we all have to understand it’s about more than one man and always will be.”

Cook was not considered for the squad against Doncaster after feeling the effects of his first game since New Year’s Day. Alexander and City’s medical staff anticipated his body’s reaction following such a long period out.

“We presumed we would know how he felt after his first exposure to 11 v 11. It’s tough.

“An 11 v 11 game, even if it’s behind closed doors, is completely different to your body than it is when you’re training for about 40 minutes in between a game every three days.

“Even the build-up to it, the mind, warming up, it’s all taking energy out of your body physically and mentally. You come off it and you’re almost flat.

“It’s like the first game of pre-season. Players come back from the summer and feel they are in good shape.

“They get through the first few days of training feeling really good and then that first game hits you. They are blowing out their backsides.

“I remember it myself and you’re suddenly thinking you’re miles away.

“That’s how Cooky felt last week. It was good for him to have that exposure and then come in the next day and go, ‘oh yeah, that’s how it feels like playing a game after a long time out’.

“It was still there on Friday. But it’s important that the player feels that.

“We were quite clear in our minds that he would be sore and stiff.

“We saw it as a replacement for a training game and we had an agreement before that it wouldn’t mean he was automatically available for the next game. We just don’t want to expose him to that sort of risk.”

Cook: 'It's what dreams are made of'

The weekend derby is the start of a huge trio of games with City then travelling to leaders Cardiff before the Carabao Cup third-round date at holders Newcastle a fortnight today.

That is the ultimate fixture for lifelong Toon fan Cook.

Cook admitted: "It's my dream to play there in a competitive game so hopefully I can be involved.

"I screamed the house down (when the draw came out). I am not even joking.

“I told the physios straight away. I sent them a message and said, ‘don’t care what you say, I’m ready’.

“I don’t think it works like that but I obviously told them.

“I’ve never been on the pitch at St James’ Park, so to do that would be unreal. It’s what dreams are made of.

“Obviously I’ve had a tough year and maybe I’ll be involved.

“There are three massive games coming up and I’ll take each day as it comes. Let’s see what happens.”