CITY fans need no reminding that Rory McArdle will always put his body on the line.

But the former “history maker” suffered a nasty injury on the line of duty in Exeter’s win at Stevenage in midweek.

McArdle had already scored the only goal with one of those trademark near-post headers that the Valley Parade faithful are so familiar with.

The 33-year-old was forced off late in the game, though, after blocking a shot – and accidentally being caught by a Stevenage player’s studs in the “private parts”.

McArdle was rushed off to a nearby hospital but fortunately was later released to spend the night in the hotel with the rest of the Exeter squad in Hertfordshire before travelling home.

Boss Matt Taylor called the injury a “really serious gash”. He also said of McArdle’s performance: “He led that backline, scored the header and defended the box with his life.”

Tom Parkes is expected to step in for McArdle for City’s visit to St James Park as the Grecians look to build on only their second win in eight league games – both against Stevenage.

That dip has seen them drop just below the play-off places – they had also failed to score in three of the previous four outings.

Taylor admitted it was a “really good win” but suggested that there is still likely to be a reshuffle to the line-up for the Bantams clash.

“We’ll put this to bed and look to Bradford,” he said afterwards. “As pleased as we are now, we will pick the bodies out and put out a team with changes.”

Winger Robbie Willmott could make his first start after joining on loan from Newport. Exeter are still without injured wide men Randell Williams and Joel Randall.

Willmott, who made his Exeter debut as a late substitute on Tuesday, said: "I am an old school winger, so hopefully I can bring a lot of creativity and a lot of crosses and score some goals for the team."

Taylor, who had an injury-hit year at Valley Parade, is anticipating an exciting contest with the in-form Bantams - but regrets it will once more take place behind closed doors.

He added: "It's a shame the fans can't be there. It's one we are expecting to be a high quality game.

"Bradford have recruited really well in January and their form shows what a great set of players they have. But they're coming to our place.

"It will be a different type of game to what we usually expect in terms of atmosphere, because Bradford fans travel well and our home fans always respond."