LUKE James has got an old head on young shoulders.

The striker, on a season's loan at City from Peterborough, may not be 21 until November but he has already packed plenty of experience into his tender years.

Tuesday night's first start for the Bantams at York was the 134th appearance in a career that began with writing his name in Hartlepool's history books as their youngest ever goal-scorer.

James had just turned 17 when he unleashed that spectacular 25-yard volley against Rochdale in January 2012. With so many games under his belt since, he could be excused for thinking that he is much older than he is.

He admitted: "I have to check myself sometimes – but yes, I'm still only 20!

"I've been quite lucky to have played as many games as I have. It's a bit of a boost for me because a lot of players my age haven't had that chance.

"Young players find it hard to break through but I'm grateful that all the managers have had faith in me.

"When I first started playing at Hartlepool, I didn't think I would keep my place. But I managed to do all right and kept my place for a few games.

"It's been lucky on my part but now I have got quite a bit of experience and that definitely helps.

"When you are involved week in, week out, you build up that momentum and you don't want it to stop. There's no better feeling than playing and winning, because that's what we're here to do."

James built up his profile nationally with 16 goals in a struggling Pools team two seasons ago. With outside interest growing, that earned him a £500,000 move to Peterborough last August on the final day of the transfer window.

But his first season at Posh failed to hit the heights. The youngster's work-rate and commitment was praised by everyone but he had only two goals to show for it.

James is at a loss to explain why and said: "I had a bad time personally last year. It just didn't seem to happen for me.

"I couldn't put my finger on it. You try to think about it and then just over-think and come up with stupid reasons.

"That's in the past now and I just want to concentrate on my time here at Bradford and making sure it's successful."

James caught the eye with several burrowing runs against the Minstermen and his speed off the mark offers something different to City's other strikers.

He is relishing the fight for a shirt against the likes of James Hanson, Steve Davies and Billy Clarke.

James said: "Knowing about that competition spurred me on coming here. You shouldn't be nailed on to play at any club wherever you go.

"You have to prove yourself all the time, not just playing in the games but also every day in training. Competition is healthy for any squad because it keep you on your toes.

"I want to be playing every weekend, so you can't afford to have any days off by not giving your all. Then hopefully when the chance comes, you can take it."

City were caught cold by Swindon's second-half fightback on the opening day but James is confident of using tomorrow's home debut as a League One launch-pad.

He said: "Everyone is excited. After the disappointment of Swindon, we want to put it right with three points.

"Nobody likes to get beaten. Once you start feeling that winning mentality, you just want it more and more."