RICHARD O’Donnell reckons in-form City are “a joy to watch” in their push to escape the League One dogfight.

The Bantams come off an 11-day wait today with a tough trip to Barnsley, one of only three sides unbeaten at home this season.

But with four wins in the last five league games, David Hopkin’s side are flying high in the division’s form table as the battle to beat the drop gathers momentum.

Keeper O’Donnell has conceded just one goal during the run – and admits he is happy to remain a spectator as the team continue to win in style.

O’Donnell said: “After the Rochdale game, in particular, I told the lads in the changing room that I really enjoyed watching us play.

“I didn’t have too much to do and I was stood behind it watching. Some of the stuff we play is up there with the best in the league.

“I’ve always said that I believe in the group and what they can do. Now we are starting to show it.

“When you win 4-0 away like that, play some great football and score some great goals, it’s a joy to watch. Long may it continue.

“The performances have obviously turned and a lot of credit has to go to the gaffer, Ben (Nicholson) and Anton (McElhone) for the fitness work we’ve been doing.

“That’s helped us massively because we’re getting fitter and stronger. It’s all starting to click and hopefully it can carry on.”

O’Donnell has been combining his first-team duties with the role of goalkeeping coach since Steve Banks left the club in November. With Hopkin in no rush to name a replacement, he is enjoying the added responsibility.

“Banksy left and the first conversation I had with the gaffer, he asked if I could take the sessions until we get someone in.

“It’s something I enjoy doing. I’ve got my coaching badges in goalkeeping and outfield so it’s naturally something I want to go into when I finish anyway.

“It’s been a while without (a goalkeeping coach) now but the gaffer wants the right man in for the job. I stand by exactly what he wants to do.

“He is after someone who fits the philosophy of what he wants at the football club.

“It’s not a huge issue and obviously we’re keeping clean sheets at the minute anyway.”

City’s recent defensive prowess will be challenged by the high-flying Tykes, who last lost in the league at Oakwell in March.

But O’Donnell feels the team are now doing themselves justice as performances start to live up to the expectations he had when signing last summer.

“The start of the season was disappointing because everyone expected us to be right up there, me included,” he added.

“Everybody came here to get promoted. When you see us under-performing, it’s very frustrating.

“Obviously we’re still down there in the league so there is a lot of work still to do. We’ve not achieved anything from what we’ve done in the last couple of months.

“But it is good to see the change and the hard work paying off.”

While still in the bottom four on goal difference, City’s revival has lifted them five points clear off bottom club Wimbledon – the same gap covers the seven teams above them. Suddenly clubs are looking over their shoulder.

O’Donnell said: “Winning four out of five has closed the gap massively. People will be looking at the form table and see us right up there.

“The teams above us will be worried but we’ve got to keep it going. For me, it’s about performances more than results and if we keep playing like we have been then the points will come.

“We’re playing Barnsley, who are probably one of the toughest games we will have all season. But put in another good performance and we’re confident of coming away with a result.”