Two of City’s most promising youngsters have committed their long-term future to the club.

Boss Peter Taylor was given a double-boost yesterday after both Jon McLaughlin and Leon Osborne agreed deals to remain at Valley Parade.

The 22-year-old McLaughlin has penned a three-year contract, while 20-year-old Osborne is on board for a further two years after the pair impressed towards the tail end of last season.

Taylor said: “If you play for Bradford, you are automatically under more pressure so, to be fair to the players, they handled it well.

“There was a pressure on us to finish the season well and for lads like that it’s a big test. Both have showed they are keen to learn.

“There’s a lot of players who you would look after who’d nod as if they know what you mean but they don’t, they are just being polite. You need players who will ask questions and want to improve.”

Both players benefited from Taylor’s clean-slate approach after he arrived at the club in the second half of the campaign.

Keeper McLaughlin in particular seized his chance to impress, establishing himself as City’s number one with a string of impressive performances in the final six games.

Conceding just three goals during that unbeaten spell, McLaughlin kept clean sheets against Northampton and Crewe and also saved a penalty in a man-of-the-match display at Burton.

Winger Osborne meanwhile showed glimpses of real potential after nailing down a starting spot as City won four of their last five games.

Taylor said: “On my first day I said to the players that when you walk into a football club, you never know what’s in the dressing room.

“You always give players a chance first and I feel like that’s what I’ve done.”

The Bantams boss is also keen to strike a fine balance between youth and experience next season.

Having secured the signature of experienced campaigner Tommy Doherty and confident of tying down senior players Lee Bullock, Michael Flynn and Simon Ramsden, Taylor sees the likes of McLaughlin and Osborne as complimentary parts of the puzzle.

He said: “Sometimes it means a lot to players who’ve come through the ranks because they’re local and they are enthusiastic about the club.

“But younger players have so much enthusiasm anyway and you need that in your squad.

“You also need that bit of experience as well. You have to strike a balance and I wouldn’t want to have too much of either in my squad.”