BRADFORD City Women are hoping to be boosted by the return of Ellie Olds for the rest of the season.

The midfielder spent six weeks out over Christmas with torn ankle ligaments, only to suffer the same injury less than a month after her return.

But after admitting she rushed herself back last time, Olds is determined to come back stronger as the Bantams aim to end the season on a high.

“My ankle is still quite weak but it feels a lot better and I feel that I’m quite close to coming back,” she said.

“I’d love to be back for our next game on Sunday, March 19 at Nottingham Forest, but we shall see.

“Last time I was out I think I did too much too soon, so I’ve tried to avoid that this time around.

“We have our County Cup semi-final against local rivals Guiseley on Wednesday, April 12, which is quite a way off, so I would really like to be fully fit for that.

“I’m just trying to rest as much as possible.”

Olds came back after Christmas by playing 90 minutes in the 5-1 win at Newcastle, but has not played since.

An awkward landing after going up for a header saw her tear the same ligaments, and she described the news as being extremely difficult to take.

“I was devastated,” she said.

“To do it again after such a short time was horrible.

“I’ve never had a serious injury before this, so to do it twice in the same season has just been really frustrating.”

Olds can at least take comfort from the fact that she’s only missed one competitive fixture while she has been out, such has been City’s inconsistent schedule.

And her anticipated return could not be more perfectly timed.

The Bantams have five league games remaining, and are two games away from retaining their County Cup title.

"We're just looking for a strong finish,” she said.

“After a difficult start to the season, it would be good to end on a high in both the league and the cup.”