Ian McParland is confident that defender Michael Johnson will shake off a slight hamstring niggle to take on Bradford City this weekend.

The Magpies' Club Captain missed the final pre-season friendly against Nottingham Forest last weekend as a result of the injury he sustained against Stoke City a few days earlier.

But Johnson is expected to shake off the slight niggle and be able available for selection for the season's opening fixture tomorrow afternoon.

"Michael Johnson has a niggly hamstring, but we're confident he will be ok," said Manager Ian McParland.

"Gavin Strachan is obviously out and I'm so disappointed for the lad. He was doing great over pre-season.

"In the games he played it just showed how much we missed him when he was injured.

"Hopefully within six weeks Gavin will be back in the group and fighting for a place."

McParland has also revealed that goalkeeper Russell Hoult could be back in contention for a first-team place within two weeks.

The stress fracture in his right leg is healing well, and with his workload uploaded he is working towards a return in the near future.

He said: "We're likely to have Russ back within two weeks now - maybe even before."

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