DANNY Forrest was the toast of Bradford City fans everywhere after netting his first senior goal in Saturday's Nationwide Division One game against Ipswich Town.

It was a dream home league debut for the 18 year-old from Burley-in-Wharfedale. Just a few weeks ago he was standing on the terraces watching UniBond League club Guiseley when an injury had put him out of action.

A return to action and a quick elevation to the first team in an injury crisis saw the former Ilkley Grammar School pupil put on a superb display.

He laid on the opening goal for the Dane Claus Jorgensen and then scored the second after being called into the side at the 11th hour with leading scorer Andy Gray suspended.

Danny was watched by a host of City supporters from Burley-in-Wharfedale including his father John, mother Julie and his brother Ian.

Ian is a City season ticket holder who sits in the Kop. When he had scored his goal Danny headed straight for Ian to celebrate and it got him, a ticking off from the referee.

His father John said: "The referee had a word with him and said 'do you realise you have nearly got three lads in the crowd arrested?'

John added: "It was a superb feeling. There were a lot of lads from Burley in that corner and Danny just headed for them. We watch all his games but this will take some beating.

"This is only the beginning though and he has to get picked for the next game now."

Danny's family did not know until late that he would be playing and his uncle, former Burley Trojans player Michael Forrest missed the game.

He said: "I watch most of his games but I did not know he was playing until 2 pm and then it was too late for me to get there but I listened to it on the radio. We are all really proud of him."

They were not the only ones. City manager Nicky Law heaped praise on the youngster.

He said: "It was an ideal opportunity for him and he made the most of it. He runs the channels well, he is a tough lad, he has got pace and his link-up play was excellent.

"He could have had three or possibly four goals but at least he was there to miss and that is what a good goalscorer is all about.

"The goal he scored was a great finish and I am really pleased for him. He hasn't let anyone down."

Forrest, who started his soccer career with Burley Juniors and the Burley Foster Cub Pack team, knew that he was in the squad on Friday afternoon when training finished.

"I did not find out I was playing though until quarter to two on Saturday when we were in the dressing room and the manager read the team out.

"I am glad that I did not know on Friday that I was playing. At least I did not get early nerves and I was able to get a good night's sleep. I was obviously a bit nervous before kick-off but once the game started I got on with the job and enjoyed every minute of it.

"I missed a few chances early on but the team kept me going and kept my head up.

"When the goal finally came that was it. All I can remember is dashing to the touchline behind the Carlsberg Stand goal where my brother Ian always sits. It was unbelievable. I still can't believe it now but I have to keep my feet firmly on the ground.

"I was given this opportunity through suspensions and injury to other players and there is every chance I will be back in the Reserves and Youth team next week so I will relish the moment while I can."

The youngster admitted that he would be dashing to the club shop to buy the match day video.

Danny's soccer career started with his home village club Burley Juniors and he went through their ranks before joining Bradford City's Centre of Excellence.

He was a prolific scorer at junior level and those in the know have long tipped him to make a career out of the game.

He signed Associate forms with City as a nine year-old and was given a YTS contract when he left Ilkley Grammar School. He has one year of that to run.

He had captained the Bradford Schools team before joining City.

As well as being a star soccer player the young Forrest is also a good cricketer and he turned out for Burley's junior sides.

On joining City Danny quickly impressed in the youth team and was moved up to the Reserves.

He marked his reserve team debut against Sunderland with the winning goal.

Then manager Jim Jeffries rewarded him with a place in the first team squad for the trip to St Andrew's to take on Birmingham City but he was only on the fringes.

He celebrated his 17th birthday however by being named as substitute for City in their game at Millwall in October 2001 but he did not get on the pitch.

In the past year he has made further progress with the youth and reserve teams scoring 16 goals in the 20 games the youth team have played so far this season.

He has also netted one goal for the Reserves against Newcastle United.

He made his first team

debut in the Worthington Cup tie at Wrexham back in September.

He then had a spell out with injury but has certainly made an impact since his return to fitness.

He will now be hoping that manager Nicky Law has been impressed enough to give him another chance.

Dream Day

Danny's dream day started at 2pm when he was told he was in the Bradford City team for the home game with Ipswich Town.

l At 3 pm he strode out at Valley Parade to make his league debut in a match watched by Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson.

l After seven minutes he got his first touch with a promising run.

l On 29 minutes he failed to get the right touch on Emanuel's cross.

l He had an effort cleared off the line after picking up Bower's overhead kick.

l He threatened to break his duck when Wayne Jacobs put him in but he hit the wrong side of the post.

l Marshall gathered after Forrest met Emanuel's low cross.

l In the 62nd minute he set Jorgensen up for the opening goal.

l In the 68th minute Jacob's cross was knocked into the six yard box by Bower and Forrest was there to bury the ball.