NATHANIEL Knight-Percival’s arrival during the summer may not have set the pulses racing among too many City fans, but his impact has been undeniable.

The cultured defender has so far proved to be arguably Stuart McCall’s shrewdest signing following his move from Shrewsbury on a free transfer.

He became the Bantams boss’ second new recruit after penning a two-year deal and impressed the Valley Parade faithful with his assured displays which have helped City into fourth spot.

Asked whether he felt City have enough quality to win promotion, Enfield-born Knight-Percival said: “Yes, definitely.

“We just have to keep concentrating and taking things one game at a time because you can’t get too ahead of yourself.

“It’s a very long, old season and there are still six months of the campaign to go.

“We just have to take it one game at a time and see where we go from there, but it’s looking good and all the lads really enjoying playing for the gaffer.

“He really does get behind us and spur us on. He encourages you a lot and that’s what you need sometimes.

“We’re a close group and we train hard together out on the field and can have a laugh together afterwards outside of football. There is a strong spirit here.”

That collective desire was especially evident during Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Northampton when a football club and a city bade farewell to Bantams legend Bobby Campbell.

For 29-year-old Knight-Percival and his defensive colleagues, it was a pleasing response to last weekend’s 3-0 loss at Southend.

Knight-Percival made 41 appearances for Shrewsbury last season, scoring five times, and was known as ‘Rolls Royce’ for his classy displays.

He added: “It was very satisfying to get the three points in midweek, especially with the game coming so soon after last weekend.

“Obviously we want to be getting clean sheets and there are always improvements to be made.

“Conceding three at the weekend was definitely not what we want to be doing.

“We were all disappointed and we know where we can improve from it, so it’s just a case of turning those wrongs into rights.

“We can work on that on the training ground and when you do make mistakes, you can learn from them.

“Colin Doyle has been great for us as a last line of defence and his international call-up was very well deserved.

“Throughout the game, he’s always shouting at us. But that’s perfect because as a defender it keeps you on your toes and is a huge help to the back four.”

The former Peterborough man is expecting a stern examination from Swindon tomorrow but he is confident the Bantams can return with maximum points.

Knight-Percival, who admits he is keen to open his goalscoring account for City, said: “I think regardless of where you are in this league, you’re always fighting for something.

“The gaps are so small between the relegation and play-off places, so you really can go from one to the other quite quickly.

“But this is not going to be a game where we are going to Swindon looking for just a point. We are going for all three.”