Disappointed record £1.3 million signing Isaiah Rankin believes he should have notched a debut hat-trick for Bradford City against Watford, but has pledged to bounce back in style.

The 20-year-old joined the Bantams on Friday and enjoyed a hugely encouraging debut with his pace and awareness causing the Hornets defence all sorts of problems.

Rankin came within a whisker of enjoying the perfect start after his fifth minute shot struck the post. However he was left to rue missing two good chances when Watford's impressive striker Michel Ngonge grabbed a goal to condemn City to their second defeat of the season.

Rankin said: "I am very disappointed by the result. I had a few chances which, on another day, I think I would have had a hat-trick.

"But I will keep my head up and keep playing. Another game is only around the corner against Lincoln and I must look to score then.

"We created a lot of chances and that is one of the reasons why I came to this club. That will always happen with players like Jamie Lawrence, Peter Beagrie and Gareth Whalley in your side.

"I need to settle in. I had only been with the lads for a day but over the months and years I hope to settle in and get the goals we need."

Rankin was certainly not the only City player to squander good chances to leave manager Paul Jewell disappointed after the game.

However he was confident that Rankin would go on to prove a quality signing.

The City boss said: "Isaiah had a very impressive debut. It has been a big week for him and I think that took its toll on him. He came off with cramp.

"He very nearly had the perfect start when he hit the post but that is the bit of luck you need."

Watford manager Graham Taylor admitted either side could have won the game although he was full of praise for the way his players battled.

"We had moments of good fortune. In the first ten minutes Bradford could have been two goals in front. If we had gone behind it would have been a very, very hard game for us.

"We scored a good goal and then Bradford changed their formation to cause us problems again.

"It was one of those games where either side could have won it, if you look at it from an impartial point of view. It could have been a 1-0 win for either side and I am sure Paul is very disappointed that it wasn't "

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