Lewis Emanuel admits he is playing for his Valley Parade future.

The 22-year-old is one of a dozen

in the City squad who are out of

contract in the summer.

Emanuel knows the next six months will be crucial if he hopes to win another deal.

And he intends to use every opportunity to strengthen his claims, starting against Hartlepool at home tomorrow.

"I really want to stay at Bradford," he said.

"I live locally, it's my home town and I hope I can get another contract.

"It's in the front of my thoughts and every time I get on I'm trying to do what I can, whether it's for five minutes or 20."

Emanuel has become a jack of all trades this season, coming off the bench to perform a variety of roles.

He has started only four matches but is likely to get the left-wing nod tomorrow after impressing his manager with his recent performances. Todd said: "I've been very encouraged by Lewis and he hasn't disappointed when he has been called upon this season. He's shown a little bit of steel, which he hasn't always done in the past.

"When people are coming out of contract at the end of the season, they have to make you sit up and take notice when the opportunities come up. But he has worked extremely hard to try to make things happen."

Emanuel was hailed as a real prospect when he arrived on the scene as a left back four years ago.

That remains his favoured position but he is growing into the job as a winger.

He added: "I feel like I'm making progress and the manager has helped me adapt to playing wide left.

"I enjoy different roles because it's

a challenge for myself to see if I can actually play there.

"There is a lot of competition with Bobby Petta, Owen Morrison, Ben Muirhead and Danny Cadamarteri, who can all play on the left as well as me.

"But I'm a lot more confident now the gaffer has explained the position and I'm putting in a lot more crosses."

Emanuel is expected to replace Morrison, who he subbed before half-time at Morecambe. Muirhead may return on the right in place of Petta.

Emanuel added: "I was told to warm up five minutes before half-time but

didn't expect to be going straight on. But I enjoyed that game."

Todd said: "There are going to be people who might think they're going to be involved and then get a shock."

There will be a minute's silence before kick-off in memory of Bradford police officer Sharon Beshenivsky.