DANNY Devine is dreaming of a City promotion push next season to get his career going in the right direction again.

The 21-year-old hopes he has done enough to earn a new deal in Gary Bowyer’s summer revamp.

Devine has impressed the Bantams boss since returning from injury – and made his first league start in two years in Saturday’s 3-2 win at Scunthorpe.

The local lad is desperate to play his part in helping revive the relegated club’s fortunes when they return to the bottom division.

Devine said: “Bradford are far too big to be in League Two so we should be bouncing straight back next year.

“There’s been a lot of progress in the last few years. When I was in the youth team when Phil Parkinson was here and then under Stuart McCall, there were a lot of good times.

“This year it’s all disappeared so hopefully next season we can start again.

“I’ve not really kicked on since I started those games in my debut season. If anything, I’ve gone backwards.

“I want to start playing again and get a run in the team. That’s my aim for next season – if I’m still here and hopefully I will be.”

Devine has started only six times since last featuring in a full league game against Rochdale in April 2017. He missed the first half of the season with a foot ligament injury that needed surgery.

He added: “I ruptured my plantar plate at the start of the season and then broke my toe.

“Both times I’ve been injured when there’s been a new manager so that’s not helped me.

“I’ve not been available to show them what I can do from the beginning. Obviously then you’re in the background a bit.

“But it gives you a confidence boost when you hear the gaffer saying nice things.

“The manager always speaks to everyone. He’s really good about the place and I’m definitely enjoying it with him.”

Devine, whose present contract runs out at the end of the season, was one of five players under the age of 22 who finished the game at Glanford Park as City ended a run of six straight away defeats with their first win on the road in 2019.

“I’ve not had as much football as I would have liked,” he said.

“I’ve played the odd cup game here and there and some reserve-team football but these are the big occasions you want to play in and hopefully I can do that more often.

“I like to think that since I’ve come back fit, I’ve been able to show the gaffer what I can do. I want to keep doing that and do enough to earn something at the club.

“Being a Bradford lad will always go in my favour. People at every club want to see players come through the academy and do well for the team.

“The fans have continued to support us through thick and thin – so it was nice to get a win for them.”