Simon will get Cats going - Stu

Bradford City boss Stuart McCall has backed Simon Grayson to be a success at Sunderland as the two sides prepare to face each other.

McCall is expecting a difficult game against Sunderland at Valley Parade this afternoon (KO 3pm) in the latest friendly with the Black Cats now just three games away from kicking off their Championship campaign.

“It will be a test – tactically, mentally and physically – but that is why we’ve chosen games like this,” said McCall.

“We want to see how we can handle the challenge – the lads look ready for it.

“We know Sunderland are a strong side and we expect there will be periods when they have a lot of the ball. They still have players with Premier League quality and experience in their ranks.

“They have a good management team in there now in Simon Grayson and Glynn Snodin, and I’m sure they will get that club going and put them in contention for promotion.

“We have to relish playing against bigger players.”

Ex-Hartlepool United loanee Charlie Wyke is still sidelined with a hamstring injury and isn’t expected to be involved for the Bantams against Sunderland, who have taken Dutch goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter on trial.

The 30-year-old is a free agent after leaving FC Utrecht and could feature against Bradford.

Ruiter has trained with the Black Cats this week after Vito Mannone left for Reading for £2million.