STUART McCall believes Gareth Evans can play the same leading role with City that he did at Portsmouth.

Evans is back at Valley Parade after a nine-year absence – the last five on the south coast where he made 218 appearances and lifted the League Two title.

He is also reunited with McCall, who first signed him in 2009, but the Bantams boss insists it is not a case of an old pal's act in bringing the 32-year-old back.

McCall said: “It’s not because I worked with him 11 years ago because obviously he’s matured. He’s a different person and player now – with a lot of games under his belt.

“I remember him making an impact as a young lad but that wasn’t the reason we re-signed him. It’s what he has done since.

“He came to Scunthorpe and scored a good goal against us when I was there and played really well.

“Every time I’ve watched Portsmouth games to scout them, he’s always been a prominent figure.

“I’ve actually seen a lot of him and when the opportunity arose to bring somebody in of his quality, it was something I really wanted to do.”

Evans was keen to get back nearer to his north-west roots but McCall is confident he is coming back to the club for the right reasons, even though it has meant dropping down a division.

“I spoke to Gaz and he was up for it straight away. I was pleased with the feedback I got from him.

“If I sense any indifference from people or no desire to do what I’d want from them then it’s a quick phone call. But that obviously wasn’t the case with Gareth.

“He’s got leadership qualities – Portsmouth made him vice-captain and captain. I’ve spoken to a few managers who’ve had him and they speak really highly.

“He was still one of the fittest lads in the Portsmouth squad so he looks after himself. He’s a good professional and has got a bit about him.

“He’s got that streak that he wants to be a winner and he’s another one who can play various positions.”

McCall sees Evans in a forward-thinking role but the versatility of his fifth City recruit will offer plenty of different options.

“There’s no doubt he can still play as a striker in a two, he’s intelligent enough and his runs are good,” added McCall.

“He can play as a 10, he can play as an attacking midfielder, he can play wide in a three coming off the line.

“And obviously, not that I will use him there, but he had a full season at wing-back when Pompey got promoted.

“Good players with good qualities can play in lots of positions and he certainly fits into that.”

City were last night checking if Evans had been registered in time to feature today against Stevenage – if it goes ahead. They were the opposition for his final Portsmouth goal in the Carabao Cup three weeks ago.

Evans said: “I know it’s an old cliché but as soon as I spoke to the manager it was virtually a done deal. I was keen in moving back up north and finishing off the unfinished business that I had last time I was here.”