CHRIS BRANDON joined derby preparations today determined to help Town complete a League double over Bradford City.
The 29-year-old - who missed the grafting 2-1 win at Yeovil suffering a knee injury - has responded to treatment and will provide another midfield option for Saturday's noon kick-off at the Galpharm.
While the defence work out how to shackle Dean Windass, who was suspended for City when Town won 2-1 at Valley Parade last month, manager Peter Jackson has to cover for Mark Hudson's one-match ban in midfield.
Planning will remain under wraps, but Jackson is relishing the test and the chance to keep Town top of League I in front of a season-high 17,000 crowd in which the John Smith's Singing Section is close to a sell-out for home fans.
"Confidence is high after the performance and fine victory at Yeovil, but we know we need to play well against Bradford," said Jackson, who revealed Gary Taylor-Fletcher had seven stitches in the head wound he suffered at Huish Park.
"There will be a great atmosphere and a big crowd and we are all looking forward to it.
"We are obviously hoping Swansea will slip up tomorrow night at home to Yeovil and then we'll have the chance to go top on our own with a win against Bradford.
"It's an important game in any case with it being a derby, but we are looking for a double over them and to stay at the top of the League, so all the incentives are there."
Fewer than 200 seats remain unsold in the Singing Section and all the other ticketed areas are selling fast, so 17,000 should be topped without problem. Town fans can pay on the day in the Panasonic Stand, but entry will be strictly policed. Anyone with Top Team for a Tenner vouchers should exchange them tomorrow if possible.
"Bradford having Windass back is a big plus for them, but we are playing well, so we've got every reason to be positive," added Jackson, who says Martin McIntosh (knee) worked on the treadmill yesterday and appears to have had no adverse reaction.
The Juniors visit Darlington on Wednesday in the Youth Cup (7.30).
