Manager Stuart McCall was full of praise for Willy Topp after he lived up to the hype on his long-awaited full debut in City's 4-2 home win over Shrewsbury last night.

The Chilean striker - who had to wait over four months before finally getting a start - only played for 56 minutes before having to go off with cramp.

Fans have been desperate to see the player in action and he did not disappoint in a display that oozed class.

McCall said: "I thought he was excellent. He created a chance for Thorne, he created the first goal and he had a shot blocked and looked lively."

Topp came off straight after City had gone 3-1 up but the Shrews - inspired by former City loan striker Dave Hibbert - pulled a goal back and the game was far from won until Barry Conlon slotted home a penalty five minutes from time.

But it was the performance of Topp that had City fans buzzing.

The Bantams played some of their best football of the season in the first half and the South American was at the heart of it.

Topp was only expected to start if joint leading scorer Peter Thorne had not recovered from his stiff neck but McCall sprang a surprise by playing them both after Thorne was passed fit.

He said: "We just needed a bit of freshness. We'd had two tough away games, with big Baz (Conlon) working hard at Bury and Wrexham and I just thought that with Thorney being passed fit it would make a nice combination.

"Now Willy needs as many games as he can get. He was in the same position at half-time that he was in when he first played for the reserves.

"He put a lot into the game and he probably should have come off at half-time but he was desperate to come back out but cramped up in both calves just because he hasn't played at an itensity level like that."

  • City have signed Fulham reserve centre back TJ Moncur on a month's loan.

The youngster - recommended by former Fulham chief scout Billy McKinlay - will play in the reserve friendly at Hull today.

Simon Ainge is set to join Halifax Town on loan until the end of the season.

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