Stephen Darby won back-to-back FA Youth Cup winners’ medals during his Liverpool career and is hungry for more cup success at Valley Parade .

The summer recruit, who joined City on a two-year deal, is in line to make his full debut in tomorrow’s Capital One Cup clash at Notts County.

“It’s always nice to have a cup run and this game is what we’ve been working towards in pre-season,” said the Liverpool-born defender.

“I had success in cup competitions during my time at Liverpool.

“The first year I won the FA Youth Cup I was captain and we beat Manchester City and then the second year we beat Manchester United.

“It would be great to start off with a win this weekend.

“We know it’s going to be tough but we believe in ourselves here.”

Darby’s pedigree is unquestionable.

He came up through the Anfield ranks, playing alongside Robbie Threlfall and skippering the reserves, before making his competitive debut in a cup tie against Tottenham in November 2008.

He also appeared in the Champions’ League tie with PSV Eindhoven a month later before making his first senior start – also in the Champions’ League against Fiorentina the following year.

After loan spells at Swindon, Notts County and Rochdale, the right back is delighted to be at Valley Parade.

It was Phil Parkinson’s ambition and the club’s potential that persuaded him to pen a two-year deal.

Darby, 23, explained: “There has been a few new signings in the summer, so we’re clearly building a good squad here.

“Competition for places is massive, so you’ve just got to be on your toes every day in training, work hard and show the gaffer and staff what you can do.

“Make no mistake about it, Bradford are a massive club with a huge fanbase who have seen the good times.

“It’s up to us to try and help the club step forward this season and the gaffer is very ambitious about achieving that.

“Hopefully, we can get a good start this weekend and then push on into the Gillingham game next Saturday.”

Darby was a team-mate of Gary Jones last season on loan at Rochdale after spending the previous year with tomorrow’s opponents.

“I played over 25 games at Notts County,” explained Darby.

“I enjoyed my time there and made some good friends but obviously I want to beat them on Saturday.

“I’ve come to an ambitious club in Bradford and we really want to push on here this year.

“As a footballer you want to play at the highest level possible.

“There’s a great bunch of lads here and a win this weekend would be a great way to start the season.”