Striker Robbie Blake is pushing for a place in Bradford City's starting line-up at Newcastle United on Saturday as he relaunches his Valley Parade career.

Blake returned to City three weeks ago after a three-month loan spell at Nottingham Forest. He has impressed new manager Jim Jefferies with three encouraging reserve appearances and an impressive showing as a substitute in Saturday's 3-3 draw against Spurs.

With fellow strikers Stan Collymore suspended for three matches and Ashley Ward still under treatment for a calf injury, Jefferies admits Blake is "one of the options we have got to think about for Saturday".

However, Jefferies also advises caution. "Like everyone, Robbie Blake will want to impress," Jefferies said. "But he will have to be patient because we have scored seven goals in the last three matches.

"He came on last Saturday and, like the other substitutes Dan Petrescu and Lee Sharpe, contributed to the team's changing patterns and performance. It gives me something to think about. He didn't do his chances any harm."

Forest tried to buy Blake at the end of his loan spell, but their offer of £300,000 was turned down. Now the 24-year-old has put thoughts of Forest out of his mind, concentrating on re-establishing himself with City.

"It is nice to be back," he said. "I came on for ten minutes against Tottenham. Now I am pushing myself forward for the first team. If I can keep my form going I will stay in the squad.

"Jim Jefferies didn't know anything about me when he arrived and nothing has been said to me. But his arrival is a fresh start for everyone.

"I am enjoying my game again. It is a long time since the players enjoyed training as much as they do now.

"Since Jim has been here our fitness levels have been higher. The work we do on the training ground paid off against Spurs when we came back well late in the game from 3-1 down."