Scott Loach is set to retain the keeper's jersey at Macclesfield on Saturday despite the surprise return of Donovan Ricketts.

On-loan Loach impressed against Shrewsbury on Tuesday, having joined from Watford until the end of the season.

The youngster arrived due to Ricketts' proposed move to QPR - only for that to fall through at the 11th hour. Watford sanctioned Loach's switch on the premise that the 19-year-old would gain regular first-team action so boss Stuart McCall is unlikely to recall Ricketts, who is now back at Valley Parade.

Loach, 19, admits it was a surprise to meet the player he is actually supposed to be replacing.

"It was, but more than anything I'm disappointed for him," he said.

"It would have been a great move for Donovan to go to QPR. Now though it's just going to make me work harder. If I'm honest, I'm quite privileged to be able to work with him.

"I've got a lot of respect for Donovan, he's played so many games at this level and he's an international too but I'm here to play so I know I need to perform.

"Stuart's told me to work hard and fight for a place. That's what I'll do." Loach is third choice at Watford but caught the eye in loan spells at Stafford and more recently City's League Two rivals Morecambe.

"I actually played at Macclesfield with Morecambe a few weeks ago and saved a penalty," he recalled.

"I won't be thinking about that when we go there though. It's in the past and I'm just concentrating on getting three points.

"Macclesfield are quite direct. They look for Martin Gritton up front a lot and he feeds others but City have got the ability to play them off the park."

Loach looked confident making his bow for City in the exciting 4-2 Shrewsbury success, only his third-ever League match.

"It was a great game to make my debut," he added.

"I was happy to get off to a winning start and now want that to carry on. For me, it's really important I start getting games.

"That's the big thing for me and I don't think there's any better club to do it at than Bradford. They've got a great stadium, fan base and it's brilliant to play here.

"I know Morecambe are in the same division but - no offence - they don't compare to City. I'm loving it and was proud to be out there the other night.

"It's brilliant to train with the lads at Watford and I've been on the bench a couple of times with them but there's nothing better than playing."

Winger Omar Daley serves a one-match ban so Joe Colbeck could start, with new signing TJ Moncur possibly earning a bench spot.

Meanwhile, centre-half Simon Ainge, 19, has joined Halifax on loan until the end of the season.

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