JASON Kennedy reckons his up-and-down stint at Valley Parade has toughened him up as a player.

Kennedy returns with Carlisle tomorrow for City's only home game of pre-season.

The midfielder has been identified as a key player in Keith Curle's rebuilt squad after narrowly avoiding the drop out of League Two last season.

But it was a different story for Kennedy in his two years with the Bantams as he struggled to nail down a regular place.

"I think back on my time there, and perhaps it didn't work out the best for me, but I thoroughly enjoyed it," he said.

"Throughout my career from the age of 18 or 19, I was consistently playing week in, week out. So I found it hard when I wasn't involved all the time.

"You get a rhythm from playing all the time and the body gets used to it, so that was a difficult situation.

"But I do think that helped me to be mentally stronger. I had to keep pushing myself every week even when I knew I wouldn't be playing.

"Sometimes it was a challenge but I'm the type of person that just gets on with it."

Kennedy started 29 games after joining City in the summer of 2013 from Rochdale. He scored three goals – but none at Valley Parade.

His best run in the side came at the start of last season, when he was ever-present for the first three months.

"There are always ups and downs throughout the season, regardless of whether you are playing all the time or not," he said.

"But there were a lot of good moments. I played against Preston away, which was a great victory, and the local derbies against Sheffield United were always brilliant because of the fans.

"I played in some big games when we came out on top – and then there was Chelsea as well. Obviously I wasn't even featuring but to be on the bench and experience that day was a fantastic memory I'll never forget.

"Bradford have got some brilliant players and you had to grab your chance when it came. I'd have liked to have played a lot more but it was always good to come in and get minutes under your belt."

Kennedy still keeps in touch with Gary Liddle and his former team-mate has been dishing out some good-natured stick ahead of their reunion tomorrow.

"Lidds has been texting me, saying he can't wait for me to get booed!" he laughed. "He's looking forward to the battle.

"I see he's been playing centre half, so I'm sure there will be a few little challenges going in.

"But I'm excited for the game. It will be a chance for me to say a few goodbyes to the lads and the staff, as well as the fans."

Kennedy played the final 11 games of last season on loan with Carlisle, netting three times as they eventually stayed up by nine points.

After signing a two-year deal over the summer, he is preparing for a significant role in ensuring the Cumbrians can avoid another survival scrap this time around.

He said: "We finished really well and it was enjoyable to play a part in that and score some key goals. The manager set out his plans for this season and said I was going to be involved.

"That made my decision for me. It obviously gives you a lot of confidence knowing that he sees you as a big player who is going to be playing regularly."