Cooper Looks Forward To Bradford

Neale Cooper is looking forward to the clash with Bradford City and believes it’s time for the team to stand up and be counted.

‘Tuesday was a tricky game, we were favourites to win and eventually we did,’ he said. ‘It was hard game and I thought Crawley worked hard on the night. Our injury situation meant that youngsters were given the opportunity to show what they can do. I thought Jon Wallis was excellent at right back. It was nice to get Tony Bullock back who did well in goal.

‘Young Frannie Collin came on up front, looked sharp and took his goal well. So there were positives to come out of the game and the win gives us that little bit if confidence for the weekend. We are struggling just now with injuries, again, but we have just got to deal with that. We are hoping that Chris Hope and Ian Cox will be available. We are not ruling them out just yet but we’ll have to make a decision tomorrow.’

‘It’s going to a very tough game’, said Cooper. ‘They have a lot of experience and quality in their side with Steve Claridge and Dean Windass. I’ve told the players that they must be strong because it will be a battle and a battle we need to get something from.

‘We have done quite well away from home. We know what is needed and we know we have got to start performing and try to get maximum points out of the games. It’s very difficult right now, I’m not making excuses but we are missing vital players in the team, but we have got to get on with that, go there and come out with the right result.

‘Obviously we will be looking to come back with maximum points but I think if you go away from home and come back with something then that’s a bonus.’