David Wetherall says he is relishing the role of leading the Bradford City defence this term - but admits he is desperate to break his scoring duck in the Premier-ship.

The dependable central defender has fully justified Paul Jewell's club record outlay of £1.4 million during the summer to bring him to Valley Parade.

He has been an inspiration at the back for City with some towering displays which have played a big part in City being just above the bottom three ahead of tomorrow's clash with Newcastle.

The big defender's ability to win aerial challenges from set-pieces has proved an invaluable addition to the club's attacking threat.

Wetherall says stopping goals is his number one aim but he would dearly love to add to the two goals he has scored in the Worthington Cup wearing City's colours.

He said: "Like everyone who plays the game, I am a frustrated striker. A couple of times this season, the gaffer has sent me up for the last couple of minutes - although I wish he would send me up for the last 25 minutes!

"In training on a Friday, the five-a-side games see me playing on the right wing where I can get my attacking ambitions out of my system before the game the following day!

"I am disappointed that I have not scored more because I have had some good chances but not taken advantage.

"A lot of our corners are for me to nod back across the box for someone to collect the second ball, but unfortunately they are just not coming off.

"It did against Tottenham when Stuart (McCall) scored but we have been a bit unlucky on other occasions because the defence have scrambled it clear.

"When the ball comes across, I am focused on the ball and sometimes me and Lee have got in each other's way. But I am sure the gaffer would rather have that than us saying 'No, after you' as the defender nods the ball away. I love getting forward and really should get more goals."

Wetherall's best tally at Leeds came in the 1997-98 season when he notched five league and cup goals while helping create countless other strikes for team-mates.

He is relishing the chance to face a Newcastle side tomorrow which is set to feature England captain Alan Shearer.

He said: "The interesting thing will be how they play against us because they were very negative at Spurs last weekend in the FA Cup and clearly looking for a draw.

"Maybe they will sit men behind the ball or maybe because we are near the bottom of the league, they will come and attack us. With Shearer and (Duncan) Ferguson up front, they could even just hit it long and rely on their power and strength."

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