MARK Hughes insists age is just a number with new City recruit Matt Derbyshire.

The 36-year-old’s arrival at Valley Parade on an 18-month contract has raised some eyebrows at the start of the transfer window.

Derbyshire first played with Hughes for Blackburn almost two decades ago.

But the Bantams boss has no concerns about introducing such a senior figure into his squad.

Hughes said: “Thirty six is the new 30 these days.

“When I was 36, I was wobbling a little bit but Matt isn’t. He’s as fit as a butcher’s dog.

“I have to say touch wood he’s had no major injuries through his career.

“He’s lean and has still got all the character and qualities that he’s always had.

“I’ve seen him in training and straight away you can see his quality. He’s a high-level player which will help us as we move forward.”

Derbyshire has been recently playing in India for Northeast United after a spell in Cyprus. The former England under-21 international has been abroad since leaving Rotherham in 2016.

“He’s got huge experience,” added Hughes. “He’s played Premier League football, European football, he’s been in different countries.

“He’s exposed himself to different climates and different cultures and he’s worldly wise, not only on the pitch but off it as well.

“He’s a nice guy and a great personality as well. He was encouraging people in the first session he was with us and was fully engaged in the training.

“I’ve seen everything I wanted from him up to this point. Obviously, he’s got to get out there and play and produce for us, as everybody has, but I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to get him over the line.”

The striker, who will be registered to play from next Monday, was City’s second pre-window recruit.

Centre half Ciaran Kelly was seen running on the pitch before the Salford game as he builds up his fitness following his switch from Ireland.

Hughes expects January movement within the squad but stressed again that there is no need for major upheaval.

“We’re not a million miles away from where we are now anyway.

“There may be more but it’s not going to be wholesale changes. We don’t think we have to go into the market and address a lot of things that are wrong with the squad.

“That’s not the case. But if something makes sense then we’ll try and do it.”

City have no game this weekend after reaching the halfway point of the League Two campaign in fifth place - seven points off Northampton, who currently occupy the final automatic promotion spot, but with a game in hand.

The Cobblers maintained their advantage yesterday after beating leaders Leyton Orient.

But back-to-back home wins have restored City confidence following a run of three consecutive losses during a disrupted December.

“We feel we’re nicely placed,” said Hughes. “It was important that we had a decent return.

“We were all disappointed with the Carlisle game. But in hindsight, we felt that maybe the fact we hadn’t played for so long took the edge of our performance.

“They’d had the benefit of playing beforehand against Northampton and I think that was the difference on the day.

“We’ve got better as well because we’ve had that game time after the break.”