Shaun Ainscough is more determined than ever to get back in time for the Bulls’ final two games after watching his former Wigan team-mates lift the Challenge Cup.

The 21-year-old winger scored five tries in his first five appear-ances for Bradford but has been sidelined with ankle ligament damage since the home defeat by Warrington on May 1.

Four months and one operation later he is now back in full training and itching to force his way into Bulls coach Mick Potter’s thoughts once more.

Ainscough was born and bred in Wigan but was released by his hometown club at the end of last season and promptly snapped up by the Bulls.

He admits watching his former side’s 28-18 defeat of Leeds with mixed feelings, saying afterwards: “I’ve always supported Wigan and they were the club I wanted to play for when I was growing up, but then they let me go!

“I was still pretty chuffed for the guys that they won and to see all the lads that I know so well lifting the cup in a stadium like Wembley makes me want to do it.

“It makes me hungry for success with Bradford and, although it’s not been a good season, we’re not a bad side.

“On our day we are a good team but with so many injuries it’s difficult for the players to get used to playing together.”

Now seeing light at the end of a personal struggle for fitness, he continued: “It’s been a long time – too long – I only played nine games in total before I was injured and I’ve been working hard trying to get back since.”

“It wasn’t healing so I had an operation after about seven weeks and it’s only coming right now after a lot of rehab’.

“Last week was my first time back in full training and this week I hope I’ll be able to prove that I’m ready for Sunday’s Crusaders game.”