When Bradford City's fixture list was printed during the summer, today's clash at Watford was the game that caught Craig Ramage's eye.

The 28-year-old joined the Bantams in the summer of 1997 when then-manager Chris Kamara snapped the former England Under-21 international up on a free transfer.

Ramage had played some of his best football at Vicarage Road and, with the Hornets winning promotion last season, he was hoping to put on a good display against his former club.

However, Ramage's hopes were dash-ed when he broke down in training four weeks ago with a cartilage injury, and instead he will be restricted to a seat in the stand.

And he will look on enviously as the new-look City side with £1.3million record signing Isaiah Rankin making his debut.

Rankin is set to spearhead and attack which will include £1m Lee Mills if he shrugs off an ankle injury.

He said: "I was pleased to see Watford win promotion and it will be nice to go back. There will be a few people I know down there, so it will be good to see them.

"But not being able to play kills it a little bit for me. I just hope I will be able to force my back into the side for the return game later in the season."

Ramage joined Watford from Derby County, and became hugely popular with sections of the Vicarage Road crowd, with T-shirts even being produced with his picture on.

His best season came in the 1995-96 campaign when he scored 15 goals in 36 league games from midfield, although he could not prevent the Hornets being relegated.

Ramage was released by new manager Graham Taylor - in his second spell as manager at Vicarage Road - but he has only fond memories from his time at Watford.

"I had some great days there and some good games. Football-wise, I had probably my best couple of seasons at Watford. I got 30 goals in my time there, which is a great record.

"I was lucky in that I stayed away from injuries and got a run in the side. That helped me a lot. It was time to move on with the change in management, with Graham Taylor bringing in a few players, so it was in my best interests to leave."

Last season he scored just one goal after being severely hampered by a succession of niggling injuries.

On his day, Ramage can have a devastating impact on any game, although he did not show enough consistency over a series of matches. But that is something he is looking to build on - once he returns to fitness.

"I have done a bit of ball work and I am looking at maybe just a couple more weeks out.

"I turned on it in training. At first we thought the injury was a lot worse, but in the end it turned out to be a lateral cartilage. I was quite pleased as I thought I could be out for a long time.

"It is frustrating. I was going well and was probably fitter than I have ever been. I had been doing a lot of running at home - about three miles per day for the month before pre-season began.

"You need a run in the side and, although it will be hard to get one, I am determined to try my hardest.

"I believe I am good enough and will give it a go. I want to put some pressure on the other players. I have a year left on my contract and need a good season. I want to be in the side and playing regularly. This is the place to be at the moment.

"Any good player wants to play here as there is some quality in the squad. It is an ambitious club and I want to play a part."

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