SHAY McCartan can claim the assist for Adam Thompson's loan switch to City.

Thompson ended the summer-long search for a right-sided centre half by signing a deal from Bury for the season.

The 24-year-old defender revealed that Northern Ireland room-mate McCartan's sales pitch was a persuasive factor in speeding the move along.

Both players are currently away with the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Czech Republic and the Bantams forward used the chance to talk up the club.

Thompson said: "Shay's in my room so he's told me the ins and outs, how they like to play and what the fans are like. Basically he's told me everything about the club.

"That's why the deal moved even quicker. The way he was talking about it, I just kept getting on to my agent saying 'can we get this done ASAP please'.

"It sounds so good and I'm buzzing to get it sorted to be here."

Thompson had been on City's original wish-list when he left Southend at the end of last season but he had already committed to Bury's offer.

Talking exclusively to the Telegraph & Argus, Thompson hinted that he may have otherwise been tempted by the Bantams at that time.

"Bradford were one of the teams interested in the summer but because I had agreed a deal very early on with Bury, I couldn't really go back on my word," he said.

"I went away with Northern Ireland at the end of May so wanted to get something sorted before that.

"The Bradford interest popped up fairly late before I went there. If that had come about a bit earlier, maybe things would have been different.

"It hasn't worked out at Bury and if it goes well here, you never know what can happen. But obviously it's just a loan at the moment."

Thompson, who has made three appearances for the Shakers this season, knows the division well after spending four years with Southend. He views the switch to Valley Parade as the opportunity to make the jump to the next level.

"I've got about 150 games under my belt and had a few years in League One," he said.

"The next club I want to be at is hopefully ready to make the step up to the Championship.

"I'm going to a good team who I know will be up there and challenging. It ticks all the boxes for me and for Bradford and hopefully I can deliver."

Thompson was in the Southend team that took four points off City last season and dished out one of their seven league defeats with a 3-0 win at Roots Hall.

He said: "It was a weird one because both teams were up there. I think Bradford must just have had an off day and there weren't many of those.

"I know they were unbeaten all season at Valley Parade and we were buzzing to get a draw there.

"That's one of the things that was massive in my decision to sign. Everyone looks at Bradford as one of the away games of the season because of the crowd – it's like a Championship or even a Premier League game.

"To be an actual Bradford player now is unbelievable and I couldn't wish for anything better than to have that as my home support."