When Stuart McCall joined Bradford City as a callow teenager, he never imagined that one day he would be facing Manchester United in a league fixture at Valley Parade.

The Bantams were a Fourth Division side when McCall joined aged just 16 with the likes of Rochdale and Hartlepool the regular visitors.

By the time McCall made his debut on the opening day of the 1982-83 season, City had been promoted a division but the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal remained mere names at the top of the game.

However, tomorrow City will face a United side who are the reigning Premiership champions, European Cup holders and FA Cup winners.

It is set to be City's biggest test of the season but McCall believes the experience will act as a further incentive for the Bantams to win the battle for survival.

He said: "When I look back at when I started, it really is a tremendous turnaround. But the great thing is when you experience the occasion that will be tomorrow's game, we will want it all the time.

"We want to face Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea again next year. No disrespect to the likes of Crewe and Tranmere, but it will be a big step down if we are playing them next season.

"Having the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and Andy Cole down here will be a big highlight but we will treat them the same as anyone and try to knock them out of their stride."

McCall has faced United twice while playing for City but tomorrow will be the first time at Valley Parade.

He was part of the side which lost 4-1 at Old Trafford in a League Cup replay in 1982-83 after missing the goalless draw at home. And McCall also faced United in a friendly at Hudders-field Town's Leeds Road ground shortly after the fire disaster which City won 3-1.

He said: "I will always remember the League Cup tie at Old Trafford. They won 4-1 but the one good thing was Big Bobby Campbell scored late on.

"I was only 18 and weighed about 8st dripping wet. I ran over to take a throw-in and they were bringing a sub on and he nudged me. It sent me flying and I thought 'Who's that big so and so?' (or words to that effect!). It turned out it was Norman White-side, who was only 16 but massive.

"The support we received that night was magnificent. They obviously thought 'We'll never be here again so let's make the most of it'.

"In reality, I never thought we would get to the stage where we would be playing Manchester United at home in the league.

"You look at the First Division this season and there are a lot of sleeping giants, such as Manchester City. We have never been classed as one of those but it is us who are in the Premiership and facing Manchester United tomorrow.

"The only other time I have faced them while playing for City was in a friendly, but that was played at Huddersfield Town."

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