JOHN Kear is relishing the underdogs role as he switches his focus to the international scene.

The Bulls coach flies out with his Welsh squad today for their opening European Championship World Cup qualifier in France.

They also face Scotland and Ireland in the coming weeks with the top two earning automatic qualification for the World Cup in 2021.

After dealing with the constant pressure of steering Bradford to promotion from League One, Kear admits it makes a “refreshing” change to lead the outsiders in the four-team international competition.

He said: “I would say we’re probably the fourth ranked of the squads.

“It’s nice because all year I’ve had to deal with Bradford being favourites and the ones to be shot at.

“Well, we can shoot at the other three without any pressure.

“I do enjoy it. It’s a different environment, with different people and different coaching staff.

“Obviously you have to emphasise different things because you haven’t got the same amount of time with your players.

“It’s a completely different challenge and I find it very refreshing.

“If we qualify for the World Cup, it will have been an exceptionally successful campaign.”

Kear admits the Carcassone clash is the hardest possible start as his side come up against the group favourites.

He added: “We can say we’ve got three Super League players from the London lads – but they’re not Super League players until next season.

“France are obviously well stacked with Super League. When you look at all four squads, if France don’t win it then in all honesty there’s something wrong.”

There has been one familiar Bradford face at this week’s training camp as winger Dalton Grant prepares to win his sixth international cap.

Kear said: “Dalton’s a very proud Welshman and he is absolutely itching to play. He’s done a good job for us this year.

“He’ll play for Wales as will Joe (Keyes), Gregg (McNally) and Ethan (Ryan) for Ireland and Ross (Peltier) and Jon (Magrin) with Jamaica.”