BRADFORD CITY AFC

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson believes this Saturday's friendly with Blackburn Rovers will give him a better idea as to where his team stands heading into the new campaign.

With two weeks to go until City's League 1 opener at home to Coventry City, Parkinson's men welcome Championship side Blackburn Rovers to the Coral Windows Stadium for their penultimate friendly of the summer.

The Rovers match will be the Bantams' first at Valley Parade since their final home match of last season against Crawley Town exactly three months earlier.

Speaking ahead of the Rovers friendly, Parkinson said: "Pre-season fixtures are always an interesting indicator in terms of the players' fitness levels and the quality of our overall play. This Saturday's match will be no different.

"After this weekend we should know a bit more about the squad and where we are going into the new campaign.

"Playing against a Championship side is obviously going to be a good test for us physically and technically.

"We've had a good week in training since coming back from Ireland and we are looking forward to the game.

"It will be good to play at home again, especially for the new players."

Despite making progress from a calf problem, Aaron Mclean isn't expected to feature against Blackburn.

Young striking duo Oliver McBurnie (back) and Lewis Clarkson (groin) could play a part, however, after recent injuries.