Robbie Blake has hailed the success of Bradford City's new attacking 4-3-3 formation, believing it will go a long way towards solving their chronic goal scoring problem.

City's paltry scoring record - a mere 23 in 30 Premiership matches - has been the root cause of their difficulties this season, but the 25-year-old striker thinks manager Jim Jefferies' new formation promises a brighter future.

City have had to settle for 2-2 draws in their last two matches against Manchester City and Newcastle United, both at Valley Parade, but Blake believes the Bantams could have taken a maximum six points instead of two.

Blake, who had been on the bench for the previous three matches, returned to the starting line-up against Manchester City as Jefferies opted to play three players up front, scored in both games.

He said: "I think we created more chances in the last two matches than we have done all season.

"From a striker's point of view it is good we are creating chances. Jim Jefferies is playing Ashley Ward in the middle with myself and Beni Carbone either side of him and we have scored four goals, as well as creating lots of other chances.

"I am happy to be playing again in the starting line-up and I hope to keep my place to the end of the season and score a few goals."

Blake, who has watched team-mates sold or leave on-loan in the last few weeks, almost left Valley Parade himself earlier in the season. He said: "The club allowed me to go on-loan to Nottingham Forest for three months at the start of the season.

"Forest wanted to buy me, but nothing materialised and I returned just about the time that Jim Jefferies replaced Chris Hutchings. That provided me with a fresh start and I worked hard to win back my place in the side.''