NEW signing Joe Riley wants to put his experience as Manchester United under-23s captain to use with the Bantams.

Despite only being 21, the full back brings some leadership qualities with him having been skipper of the development side at Old Trafford.

And he said: "Being captain of their under-23s helped in terms of being a leader on the pitch.

"I'm keen to learn from the experienced players here, but I don't want to just be seen as a youngster.

"It'll be good to use everything that I learnt at United and bring it here. I'm ready for first team football and I'm excited to show the fans what I can do."

Having come through the Red Devils youth set-up and also spent time on loan at Sheffield United last season, Riley is used to being with big clubs and he believes the Bantams are currently punching below their weight.

He said: "The club has shown a lot of interest in me the past 12 months. It is a big club.

"The opportunity to come here was something I couldn't turn down. For me it's a Championship team, not a League One team.

"Game time is what someone my age is looking for, so to have that for a club as big as this, you can't ask for anything more.

"Being around the first team environment at Sheffield United when they were promoted from League One (in 2016/17), it's what motivates you and it's made me hungry for more."

The defender was quick to thank City's head of recruitment, Greg Abbott, for persuading him to move to West Yorkshire, saying: "Greg's been a big part of it and I've spoken to him quite a lot. We had a phone call in January and he filled me in on the vision of the club.

"Hearing from him the ideas that the club is structured around, we have the same vision for myself and the team, so it was an easy decision."

Riley is confident in his own ability and hopes his pace will help him contribute in attack as well as defence.

He said: "When I was younger, I played more as a winger, but I definitely see myself as a full back now, on the left or right side.

"I back myself defending one against one but my main attribute is my speed. I'll be looking to get forward and attack and hopefully score and assist some goals.

"I want to excite the fans at the end of the day, that's what they want to see."

Meanwhile, City's recruitment of a new head coach is set to enter its sixth week.

Former player David Hopkin, who is still the club's record signing, is currently favourite for the job with bookies Sky Bet.

The Scotsman left Livingston just 11 days after taking them up to the Scottish Premiership in what was his second successive promotion.

He was linked with jobs at Shrewsbury, Carlisle and St Mirren but those roles have now been filled.