SHAY McCartan is plotting FA Cup revenge on Yeovil for missing out on a dream date with Manchester United.

The Irishman is bang in form for City after scoring in both of their wins over the new year weekend.

He aims to continue that hot streak in the west country for the third-round clash with the League Two side.

And McCartan will have an added incentive following an FA Cup exit there three years ago which cost him the chance to rub shoulders with United.

McCartan, who was playing for Accrington, said: “It went to a replay down there and we already knew that the winners had United in the next round.

“We drew the first game when I missed a header in the 90th minute to go 2-1 up.

“Then I hit the crossbar from 30 yards out with my left foot in the replay. That would have put us ahead but we ended up losing 2-0 to two late goals.”

City will be eyeing the £67,500 prize money for tomorrow’s winners – and the chance of pulling out a big name in the last 32.

McCartan, one of the few players in Stuart McCall’s squad to have previous experience of Yeovil, is determined to avoid any more Huish Park heartache.

He added: “It’s miles away and out on its own. From when I’ve played them, Yeovil have been difficult to break down.

“It’s going to be tough because this is their big chance to get to the fourth round. It will be like a cup final for them.

“We can’t under-estimate them because we are the team to beat.

“Accrington did it at Valley Parade last year and got the scalp.

“The lads have got to go down there and be professional.”

McCartan has not started three games in row since his £200,000 summer move to Valley Parade.

As he looks to build on his change of fortunes, the 23-year-old admitted the pressure from the six-figure transfer fee had affected him during the first half of the season.

“It can be difficult coming from a club like Accrington to Bradford,” he added. “I had a big price tag on my head and a lot of expectation.

“In hindsight, that probably did worry me a bit. I thought I had to go out and try too hard.

“When things weren’t going well, I was probably too hard on myself.

“I went through a spell of having zero confidence and was doubtful of whether it would work out here or not. But I’ve pulled through in the end.

“A lot of people in my position could have sacked it off. But I didn’t, I worked hard every day in training, did everything I had to and hopefully that is paying off now.”

McCartan’s recall last weekend was his first league start for four months since City blew a three-goal lead to draw at Walsall. His only appearances during that time had been in the Checkatrade Trophy.

But all 11 of his goals for Accrington last season came from January onwards and McCall will be hoping the Irishman can go on to deliver another strong second half with his spirits restored.

McCartan acknowledged it has been a test of his resolve when things started so slowly for him at the club.

He said: “It was hard even playing in the Checkatrade games, because nobody is there. Sometimes you are playing against kids, like with the Man City one, and it is difficult.

“I was out in the cold for a bit but I knew that I had to give my all and try to stay positive. Although that’s hard when your confidence is a bit low, but you keep going.

“Things were a bit tough but I’ve learned throughout my career that the only person who can get you out of that is yourself. Nobody will do it for you.

“Football can be a selfish game at times. You’ve got to focus on what’s right for you and work hard for yourself.

“Do that and it will only help the team. I think I’m beginning to show that.

“The gaffer has given me a chance and I wanted to take to take it by being as positive as I can and look to make things happen.”