NAIL biting and kicking every ball have been some of the ways Jim O'Brien has got rid of his frustrations at being confined to the sidelines.

During his five weeks out through a hamstring injury, the former Coventry City and Ross County midfielder has been living every moment of City's losing spell from the stands.

Now he gets his chance to influence matters on the field after recovering from the injury and is back in the squad for the Bantams' FA Cup first round trip to Aldershot Town.

O'Brien said: "I am a terrible spectator when I'm injured, I kick every ball. I started biting my nails watching.

"You can take a step back when you're injured. You can see that our performances have been better.

"On matchday, you get a different view sitting in the stands. We have played some good stuff without putting the ball in the back of the net. We will be looking to do that.

"I seemed to settle in OK, it's been a bit stop-start.

"It's been good to be back on the training pitch and good to be back. It's about seeing how my hamstring reacts to training. I have had two good training days and I will be prepared to travel and see how it goes."

O'Brien also warned of the threat non-league Aldershot will pose and has mixed memories of the FA Cup.

He was named on the substitutes' bench as his Barnsley side when they were beaten 5-0 by Manchester City in the competition's quarter-finals in 2013.

He said: "We have watched videos on Aldershot and they look a threat.

"These lads will be grafters, we need to match them wit that first. Hopefully our quality will come through.

"It's a big game for them, but one they will fancy due to our difficult start to the season.

"The cup competition has come at a good time for us.

"I would rather be playing the match at home. I like playing at big stadiums, but that's where we have been drawn.

"We are only looking at the next game. That is the best way to be. If you are already looking at then run up to Christmas, then your are already in trouble.

"It's good. Sometimes it's nice to get away from the league and get a break. Hopefully a good performance at Aldershot can kickstart the league form for us.

"The break from the league has probably come at the right time for us.

"Aldershot will give a good account for themselves. Non-league teams have got stronger over the last four or five years. The pressure is on us."