Stuart McCall wants to ensure Moss Rose remains a lucky ground for him.

The Bantams boss smashed a spectacular long-range goal in their first-ever visit to Macclesfield in 2001. And he has overseen two league victories there in charge.

McCall said: “I remember when little David Brown got the winning goal for us a little fortuitously when the keeper missed the ball.

“And Thorney (Peter Thorne) scoring two great goals there last season to get us off to a flying start.

“It would be nice to go there and keep a clean sheet again and hopefully win the game. We know what to expect and I’m always confident in this squad to go away from home and create chances.”

With Lee Bullock suspended, Michael Flynn is set for the holding role in midfield. The Welshman did an effective job there against Notts County in the JP Trophy but McCall admits the absence of Bullock is a blow.

The City boss said: “He has been in really top form in the past few weeks, growing into that role.

“Bully’s passing has been very good and there are a lot of things he does that people don’t notice.

“He makes a difference winning balls in midfield, which allows the likes of Flynny, Chris Brandon and James O’Brien to push up knowing he is behind them.

“And defensively he is very strong at set-pieces for us, which is something we will miss at Macclesfield because they’ve got some really big boys.”

Michael Boulding is back in contention after training all week following his virus. But McCall admits his resources are currently “down to the bare bones.”