Michel Evans has earned a spot on Bradford City's tour to Northern Ireland after firing a hat-trick in a practice match.

The Dutch striker, on trial from VVV Venlo, has already spent a fortnight with the Bantams.

And boss Jim Jefferies has invited Evans to join them for the week in Northern Ireland to run the rule over him during City's three friendlies.

Midfielder Lee Makel will also travel although Jefferies has not yet decided whether to re-sign the player he took to Hearts from Huddersfield.

Evans, who today celebrated his 25th birthday, said: "I'm very pleased to be staying on for the tour, that was my aim when I came here.

"Three weeks is a long time to be on trial with a club but I think that is a good sign. I'm sure if I hadn't done so well, I would have been sent home to Holland by now.

"The manager has been happy with how I have done so far. And it helped that when we played a couple of games this week I scored a hat-trick!

"Now I have the chance to show him what I can do in proper matches. This will be a big opportunity for me and I am confident I will do well enough."

Eoin Jess (Achilles) and Gunnar Halle (groin) are both struggling although both are likely to make the trip.

Jefferies said: "Jessy has missed a bit of pre-season with a niggly thing but can still have treatment over there. Gunnar felt his groin in a practice match yesterday.

"We've got a heavy programme over there and Lee will go with us because of the injury doubts.

"We'll give him a couple of run-outs like Michel and see how they both get on.

"Michel has looked quite good in training and bagged a hat-trick in one of our small games. But we need to see him in a competitive match so he'll start at least one over there."