David Wetherall could be thrown into action in Bradford City's opening pre-season friendly.

Boss Jim Jefferies today revealed that Wetherall - out injured since March - will feature in the club's three-match tour of Northern Ireland.

The influential centre-half has been recovering from a groin injury which forced him to miss a large chunk of last season and was not expected to be ready for the start of the pre-season schedule which kicks off next Thursday against UEFA Cup qualifiers Glentoran.

But the club have been so pleased with the speed of Wetherall's progress, he is likely to be given a brief run-out in Belfast.

Jefferies said: "David is coming on fine and probably doing better at this stage than he even thought himself.

"We had really ruled him out for a lot of the pre-season work and the friendlies but the signs are good as long as he is careful.

"We'll probably give him a half-hour in the first match, a full half in the second and if it works out, he will play the whole game in the third."

Wetherall was stretchered off at Derby in November, two days before Jefferies took the Valley Parade helm, and has only played four games since.

Jefferies said: "David's a terrific lad to have and I'm just hoping that he can stay fit because he is a big player for us."

Wetherall said: "I missed so much of last season that I can't wait to get going again. It's feeling a lot better although I'm not going to rush."

Jamie Lawrence was due back with the Bantams today after being given an extra week off because of his Jamaican international commitments.