Forsyth signs up as Bradford City wide boy (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Craig Forsyth signs up as Bradford City wide boy

8:40am Saturday 20th October 2012 in Sport By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter

Craig Forsyth will make his City debut this afternoon with the orders: Fill Kyel Reid’s boots.

The Watford left winger is expected to be involved against Cheltenham after signing on loan until Christmas.

His two-month stay, which runs until after the Wycombe trip on December 22, will cover the time that Reid is going to miss as he recovers from a groin injury.

Phil Parkinson is backing 23-year-old Forsyth to prove the suitable replacement.

“With Kyel being injured, we’ve been looking for someone to give us that bit of balance on the left-hand side,” said the City boss.

“Zav (Hines) and Will (Atkinson) can play that side no problem but to have the option of a natural left-footer in the squad is important.

“Given the news we received last week that it now looks like Kyel will be sidelined for a bit longer than we first thought, it made the need to bring in a left-footed player all the more important.

“Craig’s a good, strong, powerful player and he isn’t afraid to get on the attack. I’m certainly looking forward to working with him.”

Forsyth, a 6ft 2in Scot, played in both games against City this year and scored twice in the space of three minutes – including one long-range cracker – in the FA Cup tie at Vicarage Road in January.

His appearance in City’s Capital One Cup win in August was Forsyth’s only start since Gianfranco Zola took the Hornets hot-seat in the summer.

He came off the bench in the first round against Wycombe but has not played at all in the Championship.

Forsyth was Sean Dyche’s first signing in June 2011 after five years with Dundee. He scored on his Watford debut against Burnley and netted five goals in total last season.

A natural left winger, he has also been used occasionally at left back.