Stuart McCall is delighted with the way Paul Heckingbottom has started the new season.

The left back did not always produce the form last year which made him player of the year in his first spell with the club in 2003-04.

But the defender has impressed the City chief, who, talking to the Telegraph & Argus said: "I think Hecky has carried his form on from the back end of last season.

"He finished the campaign very strongly and he's come back with a real hunger and desire pre-season."

The Barnsley-born defender was part of the rearguard action which prevented Rochdale's potent attack from registering on Saturday.

But he also caught the eye going forward, producing a couple of bursting runs into opposition territory.

And McCall revealed his influence is also felt off the pitch, saying: "He's a very good character in the dressing room.

"Having that is important as we'll have ups and downs this season. We'll have defeats but it's how we react to them.

"We had a bad blow against our near rivals in the cup but we've reacted well to that with two wins and two clean sheets and that's all we can ask for."

McCall was also full of praise for central defender Matt Clarke's display against Rochdale.

"I thought he was exceptional and showed excellent concentration," said the City boss.

McCall will check on the fitness of central midfielder Paul McLaren, who picked up a dead leg on Saturday and had to be substituted.

After the match, he said: "It was similar to what Peter Thorne got last week. It's nothing too serious but it might take five or six days to settle down."