CITY fans will have to wait for their first glimpse of Vadaine Oliver in action.

Mark Hughes revealed that the latest signing is unlikely to be involved in Saturday’s friendly at Oliver’s old club York.

But new full back Brad Halliday is expected to be included as he already had a couple of weeks of pre-season work under his belt with Fleetwood.

The Bantams boss will not be rushing Oliver as he gets up to speed – with an eye on a possible introduction against Championship new boys Sunderland at Valley Parade next Tuesday.

Hughes said: “He looked really good yesterday but he’s a little bit behind obviously because he hasn’t really started his pre-season as such.

“We’ll go easy. We don’t want to expose him too quickly and put him at risk.

“It can be difficult to catch up. It doesn’t take long obviously but if lads have done more groundwork and field work and have got a better base then it is a bit more of a marked difference.

“But it’s not as if he’s returning from injury or anything so a little bit of pace work and he’ll be fine.

“I think the York game might come a little bit early but certainly Tuesday we would be looking to get him involved.”

Oliver turned down better offers – not just from the level above but also below League Two – to become City’s 14th capture in the window.

Hughes believes the target man, another former promotion winner joining his squad, will give the team another dimension.

We don’t want to expose him too quickly and put him at risk

“I was really impressed when I sat down with him,” added the City chief. “He’s very focused, he wants to be successful.

“He’s at the stage of his career where he still wants to achieve things. He sees us as a really good opportunity to do something in the game and make his mark.

“I think he’s genuinely excited for what’s ahead of him and for us to get there. We’re pleased he’s in the building.

“He’s not just about getting on the end of long balls because clearly we don’t play it that way.

“I like his technical ability. The fans will see very quickly that he’s accomplished with his link-up play as well.

“But there’s the added bonus that he’s outstanding in the air too.

“We’re getting a very good player who can play the way we want and he’s a great option if we need to knock balls into the box, which we will do.

“I’m not saying we’re going to be constantly playing the ball on the floor. If needs must or if we feel the situation is right, we’ll put the ball into the box and people will have to get on the end of them.”

Oliver spent two seasons at York between 2015 and 2017 – but the Minstermen were relegated both times to drop as low as the National League North.

But the 30-year-old is delighted to see them on the way back after winning promotion to the fifth tier last term through the play-offs.

Oliver said: “It was a real hard time back then but it’s good to see them starting to come round.

“When I was there, they were told they were going to be in that new stadium next season. Thankfully it’s over the line now and done.

“The fans are really good and loyal to the club. I know they’ve been through tough times but it’s nice to see things starting to look up again.”

Meanwhile, Halliday is desperate to get going once more after a season at the Cod Army written off by injury.

He tore knee ligaments against Sheffield Wednesday last August - which ended his campaign.

Hughes said: "He’s got good experience. Obviously he had the injury last year which probably enabled us to get in a position for him to come.

“He’s fully fit now and chomping at the bit to start playing games again.

“He’s had the benefit of a good two weeks with his previous club, so he’s ahead of Vadaine in that regard.

“We may well see him at the weekend, we’ll just see how he does in these next couple of days.”