City’s youngsters will get their best chance to break into the big time under Peter Jackson.

Four trainees – Dominic Rowe, Darren Stephenson, Alex Flett and Adam Robinson – are building up to their first season in the pro ranks.

And head of youth David Wetherall believes they have the perfect manager in Jackson to fulfil their potential.

The interim boss built his Huddersfield success on blooding starlets who had come through the system. He would love to replicate that with the Bantams and is already keeping a keen eye on those being developed by Wetherall and Peter Horne.

Jackson and number two Colin Cooper have frequently watched the youth team in action and Wetherall can see that spurring on his young charges.

Wetherall said: “I’ve never known a manager and his assistant take such an interest in the youth department. They’ve been fantastic.

“They have been down at every youth game they can at home, seen the lads in training and watched them in the reserves as well so they’ve got a good idea. It’s great for the players.

“Before his first youth game here, Peter Jackson came in to the dressing room and had a chat to the team.

“It gave them a real lift and made the young lads feel that an interest was being taken in them from above.”

Rowe made a fleeting appearance at Southend and then played the whole game against Crewe on the final day. Flett came on at half-time in that 5-1 drubbing while Stephenson was given 30 minutes at home to Shrewsbury.

Centre half Robinson has been included in the travelling squad but did not make the bench.

Jackson is planning an “uprising” in the squad as he rebuilds from last season’s wretched finish. Places will be up for grabs and the youngsters could be pushing for more than just bit-part status.

Wetherall is convinced they will all get the opportunity to state their case for more involvement.

He added: “From what Peter and Colin have seen of the players, they like these four and have deemed them worthy of professional status for a period next year. The same group were highlighted by Peter Taylor as well.

“All they can ask for is a fair crack of the whip pre-season and, if they do it, I’m sure they will get a chance to impress. He’ll not be frightened to throw them in but they have to deserve it. They have to earn the right to get in the team.”