ETHAN Ryan has been stressed out at times this season – left on the sidelines when he just wants to be playing.

But the Bulls academy product is now aiming for a run in the side following his impressive performance in Sunday's win at Workington.

The versatile 20-year-old, who can play at full back, wing and centre, scored an important try against the struggling Cumbrians.

He is hoping his display in his first outing under Rohan Smith will persuade the Bulls head coach to keep him in the side.

Ryan is in the 19-man squad for tonight's rearranged trip to Oldham and is highly regarded at Odsal.

There is no shortage of competition for places in the backline at Bradford and Ryan has had to be patient, with him no longer eligible for the academy side.

With the Bulls having no reserve grade, the prospect of playing elsewhere to get some game-time under his belt has been mooted.

Yet with the games coming thick and fast, Ryan is keen to continue making an impression on Smith.

"It has been stressful because you have to wait for your chance to play," said Ryan.

"With there being no reserve grade, you're not always guaranteed to be in the 19-man first-team squad.

"It's just about waiting your turn and, as one of the young lads, you probably can't expect to play every week.

"All I can do is train hard, keep my head down, wait for my chance to play and then take the opportunity when it comes.

"When Rohan told me I was playing against Workington, I was over the moon.

"I was ready to rip in – I'm always ready – and it was good to get out there and play.

"It was nice to get over for a try and I like to get involved in the game as much as possible. It would be great to keep my spot in the team now."

Playing three games inside eight days this week could count against Ryan tonight as Smith prepares to possibly ring the changes.

But there is no doubt that Ryan is seen very much as part of the Bulls' future.

The utility back played for Bradford's under-16s before being released and joining neighbours Keighley Cougars.

The Bulls came back in for him and, along with hooker Joe Lumb, he joined the first-team squad ahead of the 2016 campaign.

Bulls fans got their first glimpse of Ryan at Headingley in last year's pre-season friendly against Leeds for Jamie Peacock's testimonial.

He featured there again earlier this year in Carl Ablett's testimonial and scored on his competitive first-team debut earlier this year against London Broncos.

Smith was impressed with Ryan's display against Workington, saying: "Ethan did pretty much everything right.

"He dealt with the ball well and found the ground when he needed to.

"He also took the line on when he had the opportunity and he nearly found space a couple of times.

"I was hoping to see how fast he is in open space but it wasn't quite to be. Overall, he did a good job."

Ryan, who seems certain to sign a new contract to stay at the Bulls beyond the end of this season, took his try well at Workington as he dived over to finished off Adam O'Brien's superb pass.

He said: "Would I like to back up and play again at Oldham? Oh yes, definitely. We trained hard on Tuesday and our focus now is going to Oldham and getting another win."