John Swift has saluted the Bantams fans for their part in reviving his fortunes after Gillingham.

The young right back enjoyed every minute of Saturday's win over Port Vale which exorcised his own personal demons.

It was the perfect pick-me-up after Swift's torrid time at the Priestfield Stadium when he was subbed inside the first half hour.

And he admitted the Valley Parade crowd had played a major role in rebuilding his confidence.

Swift said: "The fans have been good to me.

"Gillingham wasn't a great time so I'd like to thank them for giving me their support and I hope I showed them that I will give 100 per cent for Bradford City.

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous going out there. I'm only human.

"The gaffer and Bobby Davison told me to trust my ability and not worry but you always like to get a good first touch.

"Thankfully it seemed to go right from there and with the fans right behind us, everything came together nicely with the result."

Swift, whose contract is up in the summer, has been handed his belated opportunity after Darren Holloway's foot injury but the 21-year-old feared he had blown it after his Easter Monday nightmare.

He added: "I was on a high because I'd started on the Saturday. I thought I did all right against Doncaster and wanted to progress at Gillingham.

"I was up against a good winger, which is no excuse, but these things happen in football. A lot of people have told me since that you might get a day like that at any time early in your career or late on.

"Maybe in some ways I'm quite fortunate that I got it away early on and hopefully it won't happen again. But I think I was fortunate to get another chance to rectify the problems I had and I'm grateful to the gaffer for that."

With Holloway's condition improving, Swift could make way for the weekend trip to play-off chasers Barnsley.

But having had to sit tight while other youngsters push their claims, Swift is relieved to have got his shot in the spotlight.

"I was always worried that I might miss the boat," he said. "I've travelled with the squad most weeks and been unfortunate to miss out but Richard Edghill and Darren have been playing well so you can't complain.

"I've waited quietly all season and worked hard and I think the gaffer knows that. As a young lad, you just have to knuckle down and I'm very grateful he has given me the chance now to win a new contract.

"In some ways it's good that I've had the last five games of the season. It means people can have a look at you."