Danny Cadamarteri will miss the first month of the season as he recovers from knee surgery.

The Bradford-born striker has set himself a September target to win back his place in Nicky Law's plans.

Cadamarteri is desperate to show supporters the form that once propelled him to the England under-21 ranks while at Everton, where he was touted as one of the Premiership's hottest prospects.

But his career has since fallen away and he has had a frustrating time since joining City 17 months ago, starting just 15 games last season and scoring only one goal in the Worthington Cup.

Cadamarteri was affected by tendinitis in his left knee for most of the campaign. He went under the knife in May and was hoping to return for the start of the season, but is currently undergoing further rehabilitation at Lilleshall.

With Law bolstering the frontline during the summer with the capture of Dean Windass, Michael Branch and Luke Cornwall, Cadamarteri knows he is under pressure to produce the goods this term.

He admitted: "For me personally this is going to be a very big season. I'm nearly 24 now and I don't want it to be a year of Bradford City reserve football and being in and out of the team.

"It needs to be a season when I'm playing regularly and in a position that suits me and the team. There's never going to be a guarantee of a place but I look at my own status and ability and would hope that I could get a chance. I believe that is a realistic target.

"I don't think the City fans have seen much of me. I've had the problems with injuries and then when I have played, it hasn't always been in a natural position.

"I've played that many different roles since I've been here but if I had the choice I'm most comfortable up front, on the right or as an attacking midfielder.

"If I can play in one of those three then hopefully I can move on and the fans will see the best of me.

"Last year was very frustrating because I went into it with a lot of expectation but the opportunities were just not there.

"I'm always confident in my ability but obviously you get down-hearted when you are in and out the team. Hopefully this time I can nail down a place, if not I'll have to start wondering about what the future holds but it's early days.

"I'm not going to make the start of the season but I'm hopeful about September time. The rehab has been brain-draining work at times but it's got to be done and hopefully it will stand me in good stead."