Kavanagh and Tomkinson in mix for Bantams against Tranmere

Kavanagh and Jon Tomkinson have both returned from international duty which forced them to miss the last two games.

But while Tomkinson played 105 minutes in the two Olympic warm-up friendlies with USA under-23s, Kavanagh has been kicking his heels with the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad.

The striker was an unused substitute in their 7-0 romp in San Marino in a European Championship qualifier.

So, he was back in training with the Bantams on Monday desperate to get going again.

“Kav came back full of beans, full of energy,” said Graham Alexander. “Unfortunately, he didn’t play.

“Every manager has a squad of players to pick from and he has to pick who he sees fit.

“We lost Calum for two games for nothing really. But that’s how it is.

“I’d prefer us to have players that represent their country. I believe we’ve got good players on our books and we’re happy that Calum is getting that acknowledgement.

“But it was a frustration, certainly from his perspective, that he missed two games to not play.

“I’ve been there as an international. You have to make sure you go there, whether you play or not, and it’s still a great privilege to represent your country.”

The City boss, who won 40 caps for Scotland between 2002 and 2009, is pleased to have Tomkinson back given the current shortage at centre-half.

“We need everybody that we have available. JT has done a great job for us since we put him in the team.

“He’s been a real positive loan signing, without a shadow of a doubt.

“When I spoke to him when I first came in, he told me how big it was for him to represent his country. I know the Olympics are coming up and the (under) 23s will be part of that.

“I knew how important it was for him to be involved in that camp. So fair play to him.”

Tomkinson has the Games as a major goal to aim for but Alexander insists every player should be able to motivate themselves to get out of City’s current slump.

He added: “You have to be motivated every single day even if you’re not getting contracts or international recognition or this, that and the other.

“It’s just getting up every day and having the motivation to be your best self. Surely that is motivation enough.

Jon Tomkinson signs an autograph at the US training camp (Image: @USYNT)

“I get it, there is always a carrot you can chase and you can create them as well with targets to hit.

“I know JT came in with the intention of getting his first-team career well underway. He’s had a loan before that didn’t go great for him.

“He’s played more games here than he’s ever done before and it’s been a great learning process for him.

“I know myself it was good to have things to aim for but there are times when you can’t see that target but still have to motivate yourself.

“I believe it’s in there anyway. If you’ve got through all the challenges you’ve faced, deep down you’ve got to see the motivation day in, day out.

“It’s then about getting the best out of it and he has certainly done that in the past four months since I came.”

FLASH SALE: Enjoy all our City coverage for just £2 for 2 months or 30% off the annual price by clicking HERE.