LIAM Kirk has set his sights on a first-team recall after skippering the Bulls on their return to the reserve grade.

The Bradford forward captained the side to an emphatic 70-8 win over Keighley at Dudley Hill last night.

An ever-present in the Championship relegation season, Kirk admits he needs to step up his game to impress John Kear.

He said: "John has told me I need to get fitter. I played a lot of games last season but that's no excuse.

"I want to be in every week and that's what you strive for. I haven't started how I want to but it's good for me to get that game time.

"It's not like a step back (playing for the reserves) because it's a good league with the likes of Wigan and St Helens. I'll keep going and hopefully get that shout."

The Bulls clocked up 13 tries in front of a crowd of more than 400. Kirk was impressed with the youngsters in the side, including half-back pairing Rowan Milnes and Cobi Green.

"I want a voice behind me helping me out and it was great experience for them to get out there," he said.

"I thought the young boys dug deep, especially the under-19s who came up. It's going to help them playing with us.

"I captained a few times before in the 19s. You've got to take the lead as one of the older lads but you also want the younger ones not to be scared to talk."