JOHN Terry has given James Hanson’s striking prowess a ringing endorsement as the City hitman hunts another Premier League scalp this weekend.

Hanson is buzzing going into Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round tussle with Sunderland after marking his 250th club appearance with the winner against MK Dons.

And the Bantams targetman revealed he had received a further boost after being praised by Terry for his demolition job at Chelsea.

The former England skipper looked on from the bench as Hanson carved open the Premier League leaders at Stamford Bridge in the last round – and then made a point of showing his appreciation in a text to Billy Knott.

Hanson said: “Billy knows John Terry from his Chelsea days and texted him afterwards to thank him for his shirt.

“John Terry replied to say well done for winning and to give me a little bit of praise. He was saying how much he likes a good old-fashioned centre forward.

“He was saying what a good player that Hanson is and how there were a few in their treatment room from the game because of me.

“He also said they’d watched DVDs of Bradford and how good he thought I was in the air.

“It just shows that at the top level they still take that much interest and were preparing for the game as seriously as us.

“But it’s nice to know that he rates me like that. It has certainly given me a little bit of confidence.”

Hanson admitted he was in the dark about hitting the 250-game milestone until he picked up the Telegraph & Argus the following morning.

“I didn’t realise at all until I read it in the paper,” he added. “It’s a great achievement but it feels a bit crazy really.

“My dad said that if my Bradford career finished tomorrow, I could look back on things you’d only dream about.

“I’ve been at Wembley twice, scored the winner against Leeds and played in a major cup final. You’ve got to pinch yourself at times.

“It’s not that regular any more for people to play so many games for one club. Hopefully now I’ll keep going and push on to 300 or 350 in the future.

“But getting promoted to the Championship is the main aim. We’re all thriving for success this year, whether it be in the league or the cup.”