Bantams keeper Sam Walker braced to shut out Forest Green

Walker has conceded just once in the six-game unbeaten run that the Bantams take into their Valley Parade clash with Forest Green.

He is hoping to extend that run against the relegation battlers – and frustrate former Kilmarnock team-mate Christian Doidge.

“I spent all season with Doidgey last year,” said Walker. “He’s a brilliant guy who has had a very good career.

“He’s gone back to a place he’s familiar with in Forest Green. I fired him a little message when he got that move wishing him luck – but obviously not tonight.

“It will be good to catch up with him after the game and he’s someone we’ve definitely got to be aware of.

READ MORE: How Bantams players stay on message in play-off race

“He’s scored goals all across his career and he’s very good in the air as well. He’s got a hell of a leap on him.

“I can pass off little bits to the lads but we know all that. We’re given all the information we need.

“I also had a little spell playing with their centre half Ryan Inniss.

“He’s another big guy and up towards my way. He’s one of the few players in the leagues that I can have an eye-to-eye conversation with – but hopefully we can keep him well away from me!”

Walker has made a big impression since his January arrival at Valley Parade as the replacement for Harry Lewis. He has provided a commanding and confident presence at the back.

“You don’t want any big transition period. I tried to stamp down early on about what I’m about as a goalkeeper.

“We’ve gelled well as a group and I feel I’ve fitted in nicely both on and off the pitch.

“I couldn’t really have asked for more with the clean sheets – although I would have loved that fifth one in a row last Tuesday night.

“But we got back on the bike with another one on Saturday.

“I’d love 11 more between now and the end of the season but I know it’s not always going to be the case.”

Walker insists the Bantams will not be fooled by the league table against a Forest Green side who have boosted their survival hopes with three wins from the last six games.

They ended Walsall’s five-game winning run on Saturday to close the gap to Colchester above the drop zone to two points.

Walker added: “Sometimes sides in the position Forest Green are in, fighting for their lives, can arguably be the most dangerous.

“They’ve got a new manager fairly recently and picked up some results, so they’ll be coming here full of belief. It should make for a really good game.

“It’s certainly not one of those where you look at the table, see their second bottom, and think It should be this or that.

“There’s none of that from our end. It’s very much full focus on the dangers that they will pose but also making sure that we impose ourselves on the game.

Sam Walker knows all about the threat of Christian Doidge (Image: PA)

“We’re a group that believes if we’re at it with that aggression going forwards and defensively then we’re a good match for pretty much anyone in this league.”

Tonight is the first of three home games on the bounce – a test for the much-maligned Valley Parade pitch just as much as the City players.

But the keeper is not getting too worked up about their tricky playing surface.

“It is what it is. I’m a little bit old school, it’s the same for both sides.

“It’s not something that’s within our control. As players, we need to control what we can which is our performance and making sure that we do the right things in between games.

“We’ve enjoyed playing at home, certainly recently, and they are three big games for us.

“If we come off the back of these with three good results, then things could be looking even more positive come next Wednesday.”

The League Two table still remains clear as mud although City have edged back into the top half, sitting five points off the final play-off place.

“For me, you can’t read too much into it at this stage,” said Walker.

“There is still so much football and so many twists and turns to be had between now and the end of the season.

“It’s about staying level, staying focused and just concentrating on the next opponent and next challenge.

“Put a performance in that hopefully brings a result and then chalk that off and go on to the next one.

“Inevitably, as it gets closer towards those final five games that’s when you start looking at it and seeing what you need.

“For the moment, it’s still very much in our hands and it’s all about the next game.”

FLASH SALE: Get all our City coverage for just £4 for 4 months or 40% off the annual T&A subscription by clicking HERE