LIAM Ridehalgh could not escape the hype on his doorstep surrounding City’s magical 2012-2013 League Cup run even if he had wanted to.

The Halifax-born left back was on loan at Rotherham from Huddersfield at the time.

But he was gripped by the excitement thanks to his City-supporting pals as the League Two underdogs slayed giant after giant on the way to Wembley.

“I remember it very well myself,” he said. “I’ve got a few friends who are Bradford City fans and they were obviously all buzzing around that.

“It was an unbelievable achievement and there was a great feel factor around the city at the time. To get to the final was incredible.”

As the Bantams set off on their latest Carabao Cup mission against Nottingham Forest tonight, Ridehalgh is not promising heroics to match a squad forever revered as “history makers” at Valley Parade.

But he can see similarities between that Phil Parkinson side and what Derek Adams is trying to assemble this season.

“If you look at that team, they were a group of honest, hard-working lads. That’s what can get you success like the group we’ve got here.

“We’ve got a group of players that will fight for each other. You do have to battle and that’s what we’ll be looking to do.

“Everyone has to do the same and put in a real shift, so you can rely on your team-mate. You can look to your left or right and know you can trust them.

“If you know they are working as hard as you are, then you’ve got a good chance of success.”

Ridehalgh enjoyed his fair share of highs during seven years with Tranmere and shares the belief within the dressing room that this season can shape up to be a memorable one.

He added: “Obviously being local to the area, I always took an interest in the football club.

“As a professional footballer, you want to be involved in those seasons and games when the expectation is high.

“I’ve been involved at a club like Tranmere where every year they’ve wanted to get promoted from whatever league we were in. I am used to that pressure.

“I’ve been in five play-offs now through my career but hopefully we won’t have to do that and we’ll get in the top three. If we do, I hope my experience will help.”

But his record in knock-out competitions is not so impressive.

Ridehalgh’s best run came in his first season at Huddersfield when they reached the FA Cup fourth round after edging past non-league Cambridge and Dover.

“I did play Man United (with Tranmere) and got thrashed but it was good experience,” he said.

“Obviously the hype around the game is really good but you do realise they are a big step above in terms of ability. They are there for a reason and you do realise that.

“But it’s good to test yourself against those type of players.

“Forest is going to be a really tough test but we’ll see where we are as a team and a squad.

“It’s a bit of a free hit because it’s not a league game. We can go there, express ourselves and hopefully win the tie.

“We want to get through and get one of those big clubs to come to Valley Parade. It will be good for the football club."