Bradford City manager Graham Alexander has explained that Hayden Matthews was left out of Saturday’s squad against Notts County because of competition for places.

The Portsmouth loanee was absent from the Bantams’ 20-man matchday squad despite starting their Carabao Cup victory over Leyton Orient earlier in the week.

Matthews was one of five players involved on Tuesday who missed out entirely at the weekend, with Alexander making 10 changes as Bradford secured another victory to sit third in League One.

The Australian centre-back has made three appearances in all competitions since joining on a season-long loan from Fratton Park.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, with his comments reported by The News, Alexander explained that the omissions reflected the difficult choices facing him.

“Difficult decisions today, leaving players out of the matchday squad who played on Tuesday. But unfortunately that’s the numbers.

“This was going to be a test of our resolve as a squad and our togetherness and the early signs are really good.”

Alexander wanted to reward the players who had delivered a league victory the previous Saturday, having used the cup tie to give others an opportunity.

However, choosing his substitutes proved particularly challenging, with positional versatility and potential fitness concerns influencing the final selection.

“I was quite clear in my head that the players who played the previous Saturday hadn’t done anything wrong, obviously we won the game. It was more the opportunity for the lads on Tuesday.

“It wasn’t a judgement on the previous performance so it was going to be similar to the previous team, but the bench was a real conundrum.

“It took me a long time, I changed it a few times in my head.”

The Bradford boss admitted that delivering the news to those left out had been uncomfortable, particularly when their performances had given him little reason to exclude them.

“It was extremely tough today (to pick the team). It didn’t feel good, I’ll be honest, it didn’t feel good when you had to let five lads know they weren’t going to be in the squad today.

“Hopefully they’ll be patient with us, understand the situation and come in next week and be ready to work.”

Portsmouth sanctioned Matthews’ temporary departure during the summer as John Mousinho reduced his defensive options. Fellow centre-backs Josh Knight and Ibane Bowat also made moves to League One.

Matthews cost Pompey £1.25m when he arrived in January 2025 and has three years remaining on his contract at Fratton Park.

For the defender, Alexander’s explanation makes clear that regular involvement will have to be earned in a competitive squad. Bradford’s strong start gives their manager little incentive to alter a winning league side, leaving Matthews with the task of making his next opportunity count.