Bradford City: Lee Evans set to deputise for Max Power ban.

Graham Alexander believes Lee Evans is the “perfect” substitute for suspended skipper Max Power.

The City skipper begins his two-game suspension against play-off contenders Stockport at Valley Parade tomorrow night, having picked up his tenth booking in the win over Peterborough.

Evans, who came in late in the game, is likely to make his first start for the Bantams since the 2016 play-offs.

Alexander thought Power’s yellow card midway through the second half of Saturday’s 2-0 victory was excessive.

The City manager stated, “I thought one of their players did the exact same thing in the first half and nothing was done, but that’s the way it is.”

“If you’re a competitive midfielder and go nine to ten games without a booking, you’re quite close to the limit.

“He’ll be disappointed, but we have Lee Evans to fill that role, and he’s the ideal substitute.

“He’s eager to play as well. Getting him on, I believe Max had exhausted himself.

“It’s disappointing for Max, but I think we’ve got a really good squad that can maintain its level.”

Evans made his second substitute appearance since joining City from Blackpool on deadline day, and Alexander believes he is ready to face the Hatters, who had a free Saturday. He played the previous weekend for Blackpool, for the whole 90 minutes, so I believe he is more prepared.

“We play at a high tempo, so we’ll see if he’s ready to go, since we don’t want him to only play for a short duration.

“We will check how he is and speak with him. But I am confident he will push himself forward to play.”

City will also assess Ibou Touray, who may miss his first league game since coming from Stockport. He left the game just after halftime due to a back spasm.

“I think this is my third season with him, because I’ve had him for two at Salford and I don’t think he’s ever come off the pitch in that whole time,” admitted Alexander.

“Hopefully it doesn’t happen again because he’s a tough boy.”

Kayden Jackson scored his first goal for the club, justifying Alexander’s decision to play him as the central striker.

Alexander chose the former Derby County player to lead the assault before being replaced by Ethan Wheatley, who was denied by former City loan keeper Alex Bass amid a flurry of chances for the home side.

Paul Mullin and Stephen Humphrys were unused substitutes as the Bantams attempted 29 shots on goal.

Alexander continued, “Ethan has just returned from a minor injury, so we need to ensure that when he is ready to start, he can maintain that. He was the sole option from the bench.

“Mulls only trained with us twice this week, for 10 minutes each, due to the astro (artificial turf), therefore he was out of the starting lineup for me.

“We knew we’d have to push them because they’re a good football club that prefers to play out of the back. Kayden’s stats in training and games has been excellent, and he works really hard for the club.

“I believe you could see it with the front three and how much they set off everything else behind them.

“The crew was just completely committed to each other. That was the most important factor; I didn’t detect any separation between the team members.

“There wasn’t a single player who left that pitch without having a good time. They’ll be exhausted from working so hard, yet they’ll do it all over again.”

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