MARK Hughes insists there is no debate about Andy Cook’s situation at City.

The leading scorer was once again on bench duty against Stockport - and suffered a broken nose after coming on in the closing stages.

Cook was not summoned until the 83rd minute to replace Vadaine Oliver, who has started every game in his place since Boxing Day.

Hughes has already stressed that there is no way City would look to lose the striker during the last week of the transfer window.

And he reiterated that Cook will get a starting role again when the rearranged fixtures begin to mount up in the coming weeks.

There has been inevitable talk among fans concerning Cook, who has played just 67 minutes on the pitch in City’s last five games.

But Hughes said: “I don’t know what questions they are asking. Andy is doing great.

“He plays in every game. At the moment he’s coming on and having an effect.

“I thought he did great once again.

“We’re going to be playing Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday and Vadaine will struggle to play two games a week.

“Andy needs to be ready and he is ready. You’ve seen he is motivated when he comes on, so I’ve no worries.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Oliver got two against Salford on New Year’s Day but has not scored in three outings since. He had City’s only shot on target at Edgeley Park.

Hughes added: “In fairness to Vadaine, I thought he was one of our better performers on the night. That was borne out when he got a round of applause as he went back to the bench.

“That shows you what our fans thought of his performance.

“It’s difficult to get guys on when the guy in the position is playing well. Andy understands that and hasn’t got a problem with it at all.

“He knows he’s very much part of what we’re doing and he’s going to start games very soon.”

Cook was in the wars during his latest sub appearance after taking a blow in the face. He needed treatment and was forced to change his shirt because of the blood.

Hughes said: “We’ve got a little bit of concern on Cooky because he got wiped out by an elbow right at the end, arguably another penalty.

“He’s got a broken nose so maybe not playing at the weekend is a good thing and he should be okay for the games to come.”

City should have been preparing for another away game at Walsall but Michael Flynn’s side are in FA Cup fourth-round action against Premier League Leicester.

It means the Bantams are not back in action until a week on Saturday when they host Mansfield.

Hughes admitted: “We’re lacking a little bit of continuity in terms of getting our rhythm from playing week in, week out and building the training and then tapering into the games themselves.

“But it will sort itself out because very quickly we’re going to have Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday for a number of weeks. We’ve got to be ready.”