GRAHAM Alexander insists Brad Halliday is well worth his place among League Two’s elite after a “superb” season.

The City defender, who has scored the winner in the last two games, was named in the division’s team of the year at the EFL awards.

Halliday earned the accolade as the stand-out performer in the club’s disappointing campaign, playing 50 games and netting four goals from right wing-back.

Boss Alexander said: “It’s 100 per cent deserved because he’s been superb.

“Brad deserves whatever he gets out the game because he puts a lot into it. You can see that day in, day out.

“He’s always out there training in t-shirt and shorts, no matter what the weather. He’s just a proper footballer.

“He doesn’t whinge about anything, he just gets his head down and tries to make the best out of every situation.

“He wants to be better and wants to win. He’s consistently on winning teams in training.

“What you see is what you get on matchdays. That’s what he’s like every single day.

“He’s a brilliant performer, really consistent, and we’re lucky to have him.”

Halliday recently reached the 100-game landmark for City and Alexander sees him as an ideal role model within the squad.

“I will use Brad as an example when I’m speaking to individuals about how to live their life and work every day to be better and get the maximum out of their career.

“For me as a manager, having players like that is a really strong position for us. We can’t do it on our own, we need good senior players and professionals.

“You need those examples and he is a stand out. There are others in that squad who live and work the same and I’m sure they are as pleased as everyone else that Brad’s had that accolade.

“Sometimes it’s easier for a striker to get in there just because of their numbers.

“For a full back, it means your all-round performances have been really good.

“Brad’s energy going forward as an attacking outlet has been really positive. But I know his data on the defensive side of the game is right up there with the whole division.

“He’s an all-round performer for us and he’s added goals to his attributes.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Brad Halliday has scored four goals since Boxing DayBrad Halliday has scored four goals since Boxing Day (Image: Thomas Gadd)

Halliday’s back-to-back goals have lifted his tally to four – all from Boxing Day onwards – as he grows accustomed to the more attacking role that Alexander wants from him.

“We’re talking about getting goal threats from around the pitch and the wing-back position is really important for us.

“The way we play with wing-backs being used as extra attackers, they need to come up with that end product in the final third.

“The quality of Brad’s finishing has been excellent and the technique involved.

“He even won the penalty at Grimsby the other week two yards away from the opponents’ goal. That just shows you the endeavour he’s showing at both ends of the pitch.”

After yesterday’s day off, City are hoping to see Tyreik Wright and Daniel Oyegoke back in training this morning. Both came off before the end of the Salford win.