DAVID Ball insists the shackles are off as he underlined his wish to see City’s survival fight through.

Ball is one of the four loanees that David Hopkin is hoping not to lose in next month’s transfer window.

But after playing a two-goal role in the 4-0 thrashing of Walsall that took the Bantams off the bottom, the Rotherham striker stressed how much he wants to stay for the season.

Ball said: “Of course I’d like to stay. It’s a great club to play for and I’m enjoying my football.

“I don’t see any reason why I wouldn’t want to stay here and help get them out the position the club are in.

“It looks like the shackles are off in the past few games.

“We look confident and everyone seems to be enjoying working hard for each other.

“Eight goals in two home games is fantastic and we’re starting to convert those chances that we might not have earlier on.

“It does make a difference. Goals change games – we scored at the right times on Saturday and always looked a threat.”

City’s biggest win since November 2016 has lifted them above Wimbledon and Bristol Rovers. Victory over Scunthorpe on Stuart McCall’s return to Valley Parade this weekend could even haul them out of the drop zone before Christmas.

Ball added: “Over the past three or four games, you can see the progress we’ve made as a group.

“We’ve certainly come together and you’re starting to see people putting bodies on the line and working for each other.

“We’re creating chances and obviously the clean sheet was also big for us.

“You can feel the difference on the pitch and in the stands. Everyone wants to go the same way.

“It’s a really enjoyable place to play football when it’s like that.”

Ball has now scored four in the last three home games after settling into a more regular attacking role. He had previously been employed in different positions to cover the gaps from City’s injury issues earlier in the season.

“I’ve probably played in numerous positions because of the squad and the injuries,” he said. “But the gaffer’s trusted me to do that as an older pro.

“But now you’re getting to see the best of me where I want to be in that role and everyone around us as well.

“I was delighted to get on the scoresheet again and I feel like I’m back in a familiar position where I want to be. I’m enjoying it.”

Ball is also forging a fruitful attacking link with Jack Payne and Lewis O’Brien, who was outstanding once again.

“We’ve got a really good bond off the pitch and you can see us taking that into games.

“We’re working hard for each other, giving each other options and I’m really enjoying playing with the two of them.”

David Hopkin believes City’s tally of 13 goals in four games in December is also down to the added experience in the backbone of his team.

He said: “We’ve got players back. We’ve brought in Karl Henry, Hope (Akpan) is back, Paul Caddis, Jim O’Brien, who’s been a bit unlucky too miss out. They allow your flair players to go and play.

“You’ve seen over the last few weeks since everyone is back that they’ve got a freedom to go and express themselves.”