Macken has seen how Keegan brought the best out of strikers like Andy Cole in his time and he hopes he can do the same with him.

"Obviously you look at all his experience and the players who have learnt under him become better players, especially the centre-forwards," he said.

"My ratio at the minute is a goal every four games, and that's something I'm looking to improve on. The manager and the other coaches here can help me improve. I've come here to score goals and be successful. I hope I can do that."

Keegan agrees that Macken can get better and he feels he can do a job for him in the Premiership next season if, as expected, the Blues win promotion.

"He's a very good finisher," he said. "He strikes the ball with terrific power. At 24 he knows, and everyone knows, he's got things to learn - and that's what excites you.

"If you can add to what he's already got - and he's already a very accomplished player in this division - I believe he can play in the Premiership. That's where we all want to be."

Despite Keegan's glowing praise for Macken he will have to make do with a place on the bench at Bradford.

Keegan was thrilled by his side's display at Birmingham in midweek and intends to stick with Darren Huckerby and Shaun Goater up front.

Eyal Berkovic is expected to return from his ankle injury, but Paulo Wanchope is still sidelined with his knee problem.

Nicky Weaver needs a cartilage operation and has been ruled out of the rest of the season, and rookie Brian Murphy will act as understudy to Carlo Nash.

Bradford's assistant boss Ian Banks admits they are waiting on the fitness of several players.

The Bantams will definitely be without midfielder Gary Locke, who is out for the remainder of the season after tearing ankle ligaments in the defeat at Stockport.

Banks said: "We were probably the favourites in our last two games, but all I can say is that we will be underdogs against City.

"It's up to the lads now to stand up and be counted and show their mettle."