Bantams striker Jake Young did not get on against Sunderland

Young and Clarke Oduor were the only senior outfield players not to see any game time in the 2-1 win at Valley Parade.

The striker’s presence on the bench for the full 90 minutes raised questions among fans.

But Alexander insisted it was more about getting some more game time under the belt for fellow frontmen Tyler Smith and Vadaine Oliver.

They both came on in the second half for scorers Andy Cook and Calum Kavanagh.

Tyler Smith came on in the second-half attacking changes (Image: Thomas Gadd)

The City boss said: “It was just the amount of strikers. I think we had six in the squad with Harry Ibbitson as well.

“We did consider going 3-4-3 at the end to get Jake on the pitch. But I just thought the shape was working so well on the defensive side of it and breaking so we left it.

“Jake has started quite a few of the games in pre-season and I felt Tyler and Vadaine needed minutes as well.

“I didn’t really want to change the shape at this stage, certainly midway through a good performance.”