London, Oct 30 (IANS/CMC) The return from injury of Bermudian striker Nahki Wells as a second-half substitute came as a timely boost for Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson even though the League One club lost 1-2 at home to promotion-chasing Wolverhampton Wanderers.
With a stringent training schedule ahead, Wells, 23, is looking sharp and pushing for a start at Crewe Alexandra Saturday.
Wells, the club’s leading scorer, had been sidelined for a month before his sub’s role at the weekend after picking up an ankle injury against Shrewsbury Town.
Parkinson said Tuesday: “We’re just pleased to have Nahki back and his ankle is absolutely fine. We had to make sure we gave him enough time to get it right.
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“We weren’t really tempted to bring him back any earlier. It was only last Monday that he trained properly with the team and he still had a limp.
“But he got better as the week went on and on the Friday we felt he was running a little freer. So we decided to put him on the bench.
“I thought he looked sharp when he came on – and will get sharper as the week’s training under his belt. That’s what he needs.
“He is a good player for us and will be a welcome addition again.”
Parkinson says Bradford’s morale has not been dented by their recent results which have seen the club pick up just one point from their last 12, even though they still occupy a play-off berth.
Saturday’s loss to Wolves, who are second behind leaders Leyton Orient, followed a fighting 2-2 draw at fourth-placed Preston.
Parkinson added: “The players know they’ve gone toe-to-toe with two Championship-standard teams in the space of days and done themselves enormous credit. Confidence levels are high, without a shadow of a doubt.”
Wells has netted nine times this term after his 26 goals last season helped Bradford win promotion from League Two.
–IANS/CMC
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