JIM O'Brien says he hopes to extend his stay with City and insists he is in it for the long haul.

The midfielder, who is back in the squad for the Bantams' FA Cup first round trip to Aldershot Town on Saturday, hopes he has done enough to extend his initial four-month deal at Valley Parade.

The former Barnsley ace was David Hopkin's first City signing in September but has been sidelined since tearing his hamstring in their 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon on October 2.

O'Brien says he has received encouragement for his pursuit of an extended stay after talking to the City head coach.

The 31-year-old Scotsman said: "I have spoken to the manager and he is really happy with what I have contributed to the squad.

"Hopefully I can get something done and stay here in the longer term. I see myself here for the long term.

"I 100 per cent want to stay. I had a good feeling as soon as I came through the door.

"I won't hit the number of games marker that I needed to play due to my injury, but hopefully we can get something sorted out and be here for the longer term."

O'Brien is also relishing the competition for places in City's midfield as his team-mates also return from spells on the sidelines.

He added: "I was thrown in at the deep end when I joined with Josh Wright and Hope Akpan being injured. I don't see myself going straight back in on Saturday.

"There is now a lot of competition for places and that can only be healthy for the squad. We will see what happens over the next few weeks.

"There will be a point in the season when everyone will be on the bench. It will be OK for the experienced lads like me to do this, as we've been there, done that.

"We have got plenty of experience in the squad and hopefully we can add to that. I just want to encourage the lads and I am there to support where I can.

"There has been a buzz about the training pitch this week. There are lively ones and there are quiet ones.

"It is best not to overthink our run, that is the best way to be. We have seen in our performances that we have been getting better."

Meanwhile, City have signed up Martin House Hospice Care for Children and Young People as their second charity partner.

The club announced a chance for charities to work alongside them and host a bucket collection at one of the five selected fixtures throughout this season.

Martin House Hospice received the most votes from a poll and will be hosting a bucket collection at Valley Parade when City host Oxford United in League One on Saturday, November 24.

Chris Verney, Martin House community fundraiser, said: “Family is at the heart of everything we do, so we’re delighted to have this opportunity to join forces with a family club like Bradford.

"This partnership gives us an opportunity to reach more people across Bradford to let them know about the difference we make to people from their community, particularly as we rely on the support of the public for the vast majority of our funding.”