Ashley Ward reckons Bradford City's three games in Northern Ireland will prove the ideal dress rehearsal for going to some of Division One's lesser lights.

Ward struck three times in City's wins over Glentoran and Bangor before sitting out Monday's 2-2 draw against Portadown.

And as he warmed up for Saturday's big one against his former club Blackburn at Valley Parade, the much-travelled striker dismissed suggestions that the tour had been too easy.

Ward said: "There are going to be times this year when people will wonder whether the sides like us that have been relegated from the Premiership have the mental strength to go to the so-called lesser clubs on a wet night and get a result.

"The pitches in Northern Ireland weren't the best which was a bit of a leveller. They were slow and uneven with quite long grass which gives the opponents a chance to have a kick at you.

"But physical games won't do you any harm before the season because the First Division is going to be more like that than the Premier.

"We've played at quite humble places and it would have been easy to go out and not do ourselves justice. But we've controlled the games generally and done okay.

"After working very hard at home and in the army camp, we put in a lot of good training over there and the games were useful work-outs as well."

City, who flew home yesterday, are now gearing up for their toughest pre-season mission against Graeme Souness's big-spending Blackburn, the top-flight new boys Ward left for Valley Parade in a £1.5 million move a year ago.

Ward was in the Rovers side relegated from the Premiership last time and said: "Nobody would have put money on them going down and it was a traumatic period for the club.

"But they have a wealth of talent and have come back strongly. With the finances and facilities at their disposal they will be looking to be a mid-table side next season and I wouldn't go against that.

"Graeme Souness has so much experience as a player and manager and is a great motivator as well. I think he has mellowed a bit over the years and I didn't see too many fireworks during my spell there.

"But he doesn't have to shout anymore because his reputation goes before him. When you've achieved what he has in the game then people will always sit up and listen.

"I've enjoyed pre-season so far, which is an unusual thing to say, and we're all looking forward to Saturday. It's easier to get yourself up for a difficult game like that playing on a nice pitch. But I think the week we spent in Northern Ireland has been just as important."