Paul Evans has quickly discovered the difference between the Second and First Divisions - because his free-kicks haven't been going in.

The former Brentford skipper has been an immediate hit in the City midfield. He has quickly hit it off with youngster Tom Kearney ensuring the Bantams make a smooth start to life after Stuart McCall.

The only thing missing so far for Evans is a goal. Although he couldn't have gone much closer with set-piece efforts against Wolves and Palace.

Evans said: "That's when I've noticed the step up from Division Two. Last season they probably would have gone in but this time the keepers have pulled off good saves.

"But at least the free-kicks are on target and if I can keep that up then I'm sure I'll get a goal before too long."

Tomorrow's visit to Stoke City will be a stark reminder of his time in the lower division.

Evans was the losing captain against the Potters in May's play-off final in Cardiff and the pain is still very fresh.

"There's certainly a score to be settled there," he said. "Although if I'm honest, I think they deserved to win that game.

"You look at Stoke and they are a massive club - certainly by the Second Division's standards - but they've started slowly and it's a game where we've got to be looking for three points.

"The lads are still a little bit tired from playing the two games in three days and then the long journey back. But the spirit in the team is tremendous.

"Everyone keeps writing us off and talking about the troubles we've had but as you can see from the two performances we've put in so far, nobody is letting that affect them.

"I'm loving it up here. The lads have really made me feel welcome and despite all that has gone on there is a really positive feel about the place."

Evans had other offers when he left Griffin Park but his mind remained set on linking up with Nicky Law.

He said: "This is a great stage to play on. It's a fantastic ground and it's Division One after all.

"I had spoken to one or two other clubs but after meeting the manager and the players here, I would have been stupid to have gone anywhere else."

Evans has an extra reason to impress at the Britannia tomorrow - the opportunity to push his international claims with Wales.

He is in the squad for Wednesday's friendly in Croatia, hoping to feature longer than the half hour he was given as a sub on his debut against the Czech Republic in March.

Evans added: "It's just a great feeling to be called up again and hopefully it will be good news not just for me but for Bradford."