IT MIGHT be derided by many but Harry Pritchard hopes the EFL Trophy has provided the kickstart to his season.

The midfielder has found himself on the fringes in the opening weeks of City’s League Two campaign.

After coming off the bench to score the Carabao Cup winner at Bolton in the first game, Pritchard’s three starts since have all been in knock-out competitions.

His only league involvement has been the last 12 minutes of the goalless curtain-raiser against Colchester.

But far from sulking on the sidelines, Pritchard’s work ethic in Tuesday’s Trophy tie with Wolves under-21s caught the eye – and, from his point of view, provided a timely prod for Stuart McCall.

Pritchard said: “It’s one of those games where a lot of players could easily not try and it’s hard to get up for.

“Me personally, I always go out and give 100 per cent whether I’m just coming off the bench or starting a game.

“You have to give everything in games like that to show you’re ready to be called upon when needed.”

And the whole City squad will be needed in the frenetic fixture schedule approaching the Bantams.

After Monday’s home clash with Harrogate, they are due to play in seven of the following nine midweeks.

McCall’s promise to those currently on the fringes that their chance will come is not an empty one.

Pritchard added: “He’s always happy for you to knock on his door and have a chat.

“There are some managers out there who don’t like to be speaking to the other players and just want to focus on their starting XI.

“But he’s a good man manager so that helps a lot.

“If we were only playing Saturday games every week now, you know it’s going to be tough to get into the team.

“But with a lot of Saturday, Tuesday games up to Christmas, we’ve got a chance and you’ve just got to make sure you take it when you get that opportunity.

“I thought I had a good pre-season. I made sure I looked after myself in the off season, which was obviously a bit longer than was expected, and came back fit and strong.

“Apart from the Lincoln game, which wasn’t the greatest for everyone, every time I’ve played I feel I’ve shown what I can do.

“Hopefully, I do get a run soon and continue to help the team win.”

Clayton Donaldson was another looking to push his claims with a stunning equaliser on Tuesday to open his scoring account for the season.

Pritchard believes they are keeping the current starters on their toes.

“You want competition for places. If you get settled in the side and aren’t doing too well but still expect to play, then you’re not pushing yourself.

“We’ve got two players for each place who could easily be starting. It’s a good strong squad here and we’ve just got to make sure that we all stick together.”