Nick Scruton has reiterated his commitment to the Bulls ahead of a long-awaited return to playing action.

The explosive prop forward is expected to make his comeback from a serious knee ligament injury against St Helens on Friday, amid speculation about a possible move to former club Leeds Rhinos.

But Scruton quickly dismissed any suggestion of an Odsal departure and his passion for the club remains undiminished by recent on-field struggles.

Already contracted to Bradford until the end of 2011, the 25-year-old is keen to stay even longer and said: “I don’t know where the rumours have come from.

“I’ve heard a few of them, including a transfer to Leeds and getting swapped for Luke Burgess, which neither of us know anything about.

“I’m happy at Bradford and my contract’s not up until the end of next year and even then, I’ll be looking to extend. I joined this club to be successful and even though that hasn’t happened, I still believe we can do it.

“I’ve never regretted the decision to come here, even though it makes it hard watching Leeds enjoy constant success. It’s been the best move for me and I’ve enjoyed every minute.”

Sidelined since straining medial ligaments during the 40-28 defeat against Warrington in June, Scruton has been a frustrated onlooker as the Bulls have lost their six games since.

To make matters worse, the Morley-born star had been in the form of his life before injury struck, even earning a call-up to the England squad for their mid-season Test against France.

Although a Bradford comeback remains the priority – with Scruton desperate to help his team-mates snap an 11-game losing streak – the race is on to prove himself worthy of a place in Steve McNamara’s national team set-up for the autumn’s Four Nations.

He said: “It’s been depressing. It kills me watching, especially when you think you could be out there helping your team-mates. You’re no use to anybody when you’re injured.

“I want to do the best I can for Bradford but also, I need to be playing if Steve’s going to consider me for England because there are a lot of props in form at the moment.”