Ritchie Jones’ debut for City could not come soon enough.

After missing out on the League Two opener with a calf strain, the industrious midfielder is back in contention for tonight’s trip to Leeds United – and he has more reason than most to relish the Carling Cup clash.

A product of the Manchester United academy, Jones discovered his passion for football on the terraces at Old Trafford, where a distaste for all things Leeds is par for the course.

He said: “It’s a brilliant game to have early on. It’s a big rivalry and it’s a rivalry for me personally, coming from Manchester.

“The lads are more than excited to play in it, especially a cup tie like that. You can’t ask for anything more really.

“At Manchester United we had quite a few rivals but Leeds were always one of the biggest, so I’d love to play. It’ll be a great game and I’m sure it will be a good battle.

“I think it’s a good tester too. If we play like we did at times in pre-season, go out there and give our all, we’ve got a good chance.

“Leeds are a big club and a decent team, so if we can grab anything from that it will be good for confidence.”

Jones has made a frustrating start to life at City. Released by Oldham at the end of last season, he took time to find a new club and did not sign for the Bantams until mid-July.

Then when he did finally get stuck in to pre-season, injury limited his involvement to a brief cameo at Matlock.

He said: “I can’t wait to get started, to be honest. I haven’t really missed a pre-season before, so it’s been tough.

“I’ve trained a couple of days here and I did a lot myself before I came here, so I was in decent shape.

“All I can do is get my leg right, do some extra training and hopefully be right to play.

“I’d be happy to jump straight in. Even if I’d been out for longer, I always want to play. I hate being injured, which anyone does, so I just can’t wait to get back in.”

But even injury has not detracted from the enjoyment of his new surroundings.

“It’s a really impressive set-up and all the lads are great to get along with, as are the staff,” said Jones.

“I had one or two offers, including one in the MLS believe it or not. But I knew straight away signing for Bradford was the right decision.”