GRAHAM Alexander is chewing over whether to unleash Andy Cook tomorrow.

City's number nine has been in full training for the past couple of weeks and is desperate to get back on the pitch.

And the opening group game of the Vertu Trophy against Grimsby at the University of Bradford Stadium could offer the ideal opportunity.

"Potentially," said the City boss when pressed about Cook's chances. "He's obviously been training and we'll see how he is.

"We've got to keep having discussions with the medical staff about how we can keep his trajectory of rehab going upward instead of plateauing.

"We'll see how he is after training and then assess where we go from there."

Alexander and his backroom staff are understandably treading very carefully with Cook after the season-ending ACL injury he suffered at Barrow on New Year's Day.

Cook has been eased back into the picture, initially joining in for non-contact sessions and then training one day on, one day off. But he is now at the point where Alexander is looking to get him involved in matchday scenarios.

Nick Powell made his City debut off the bench against Stoke (Image: Thomas Gadd)

And with more changes planned against the Mariners, the City boss may be tempted to include the 34-year-old in the squad - with the possibility of a late run-out from the bench against one of his former clubs.

Meanwhile, Nick Powell could be given his first City start after two sub outings against Stoke and Wimbledon.

The attacking midfielder, looking to get up and running again after a spell ruined by injury, played his part in Will Swan's weekend winner when he pressed a panicky mistake from Wimbledon keeper Nathan Bishop.

Alexander said: "We knew Saturday would be tight and we needed players who can be physically competitive and have that ability to turn a game and bring others into it.

"I thought it was right to include him again. Twenty minutes the other night was just right physically and he needs to get up a head of steam if he can.

"We do have to be cautious as well. He's not out the woods just from coming off the bench twice.

"But we know his quality and you saw his work ethic. He was fully invested in helping the team win that game."