Everyone in football has heard about the hand of God, but Bradford City’s new striker has revealed his help will be firmly in his boots.

Nialle Rodney, aged 20, will be playing the first match of the season wearing boots that celebrate his Christian belief.

When he steps out onto the turf, stitched into the blue and white leather of his boots and spelled out in capital letters will be the word “FAITH”.

Speaking exclusively to the Telegraph & Argus, he said: “The company that made them asked if I wanted something on my boots, so I got thinking what means a lot to me right now? So on one of my boots I have Azaria, the name of my baby sister. And on the other one I decided on ‘Faith’.”

Nialle, who became a Christian aged 11, added: “Every time I look down to my boots I’ll know what I’m playing for.”

City’s new signing has been with Nottingham Forest since he was 13, so moving to Bradford is a significant adjustment, but one he is happy to make.

“There were a few offers, but I have come to this club because it has great potential and I want to help. There is a real commitment among the fans, partly because of the history here, and I want to do it for them.”

Read more on this story in today's T&A