DAVID Hopkin is trying to find another free-agent gem like Paul Caddis to bolster City’s survival options.

The Bantams boss has been casting an eye on unattached duo David Edgar and Lewis McGugan in training over recent days.

And he plans to bring in a couple more free agents to check out next week.

Canada international Edgar, 31, has previous league experience with Newcastle, Burnley, Birmingham, Huddersfield and Sheffield United. He has most recently been playing for Ottawa Fury.

He can play centre half, right back and as a defensive midfielder so potentially ticks the utility boxes that Hopkin wants in his squad.

Former Nottingham Forest midfielder McGugan, 30, left Northampton just over a year ago.

Hopkin said: “They have been training over the last few days and acquitted themselves well. We’re having a look.

“We’ve got another few who are maybe coming in next week who can offer different options. It’s about being patient.

“The good thing with free agents is that you can get them in for a few days to have a look. You can see how their fitness is and how they are in the group.

“It’s probably a better chance to gauge players and how they could cope with this stage of the season and where we are.

“You have to be careful what ones you are taking in. But it’s a positive sign for me that you can watch how they are in training before making any decision.

“The main focus at this moment is the Fleetwood game and then we’ll look at things again after that.”

Caddis has made 16 appearances since joining City in mid-November and has played every league game. The right back has been an important figure in the team’s revival over that period.

Hopkin added: “Paul came in and he hadn’t played a game for months. He’s been a revelation.

“He’s got a great attitude and experience and he’s a character in the changing room. A lot of boys respect him.

“He’s quite quiet and has a dry sense of humour and everyone has taken to him. He’s a calming influence on the pitch and in the dressing room at half-time and after games.”

Hopkin admits City are no nearer to tying down David Ball on a permanent deal – something he is keen to sort.

“It’s a difficult one because he’s not our player,” he added. “We can’t be disrespectful to his club Rotherham or to David.

“Obviously I’d like to keep him long term but we just need to wait and see what transpires over the next few weeks.”

Fellow loanee Jacob Butterfield is pushing for a start in tomorrow’s clash with Fleetwood, the first of back-to-back home games.

Kelvin Mellor will not be ready to return from his nine-game injury absence but Hopkin is confident the versatile defender can be involved against Plymouth, one of his former clubs.

Hopkin said: “Kelvin’s not far away. Fleetwood might be a bit early but hopefully we’ll have him back in the squad next week.

“Sean Scannell is working hard to get back to fitness. It may be another few weeks before he is fully fit and ready to go again.

“We’ll have to be patient to get him back. But when we do, it will be like signing a new player.”