Benito Carbone missed Bradford City's return to training to stay in Italy with his sick son.

The Italian ace was the notable absentee as Jim Jefferies put the players through their paces at the University playing fields at Woodhall.

But the Bantams boss was eager to defuse any suggestions that City's star attraction was ducking out of pre-season. He said: "His little boy was taken ill back in Italy and has to get some attention over there before she can travel back.

"He phoned me this morning to say there was a problem. He wouldn't use something like that as an excuse.

"Beni's a naturally fit guy and he will catch up with us no problem. We're not worried on that score."

Carbone's doctor faxed medical proof to the club and the Italian was expected to fly back to England overnight.

City are confident they can hang on to his talents to bamboozle Division One defences.

Jefferies added: "We're delighted to have Beni and he is still very much part of the plans for next season.

"We are under no pressure to lose him and if anyone comes in with an offer we will be turning them down.

"But of course in football you don't know what is round the corner and should Beni want to go elsewhere, it's something we would have to discuss with him.

"But right now he stays with us and will be joining up with the rest of the lads for the remainder of pre-season."

Dutch trialist Michel Evans was at training along with Lee Sharpe and Peter Atherton who spent the final part of last season out on loan.

Sharpe, pictured, said: "Hopefully it's a clean slate for everyone. I just have to make sure I get myself fit and play well and hopefully the manager will pick me."

City have denied a story that Robbie Blake is being hunted by Burnley.

Blake said: "I'm just looking forward to having a good season with Bradford. This is a big year for all of us and I can see us doing well."