TYREIK Wright hopes to fast-track City to promotion - after joking that he could have grown up to be an Olympic sprinter.

The Aston Villa loanee made an instant impression with his speed in a winning debut against Walsall.

Wright came on with Dion Pereira for the last half hour of Saturday’s tense 2-1 victory and showed the Valley Parade audience his direct approach.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international said: “I used to be quicker but if I’d stuck to it I’d definitely be running the Olympics!

“I quit just before I came to England, so I was only at 80 metres. I can’t remember my times - it was when I was a kid.

“But defenders hate pace. I’m not trying to be rude but they’re not the most mobile in this league.

“I try to hurt them with runs in behind and I’m sure that I’ll show that throughout this season.”

Wright, who was also an accomplished Gaelic footballer, admitted he needed no persuasion to link up with the Bantams - his fourth different loan club in League Two.

The prospect of playing for Mark Hughes was a “no brainer” for the winger, who turns 21 in just over a fortnight.

“I’m a Manchester United fan as well and he’s obviously a United legend, so to work under him is a massive honour.

“I’m just going to listen to everything he tells me and take it on board. Hopefully it will help me further down the line in my career.

“It was an absolute no-brainer. He has managed at the highest level in the Premier League and managed some great players.

“To be working under him is such a privilege.

“He just wants me to be direct, get at them one v ones and express myself in the final third.”

Wright spent half a season on loan with Walsall in 2021 before spells at Salford and Colchester last season.

“I’m still trying to get used to the level but every new club is an experience. I’m looking forward to what the future holds.

“I learned a lot from the last few loans that I can take into my time here.

“A few of the defenders are definitely a bit rough but that’s League Two for you. I’m used to it now and take every hit as it comes.

“Seeing the fans and hearing them cheer my name when I came on to the pitch gave me goosebumps. I absolutely loved every minute of it.

“Walsall put so much pressure on us in the last 10-15 minutes but we showed how resilient we were and how badly we wanted to win the game.

“The keeper was outstanding and pulled off some great saves. The penalty save probably gave him confidence throughout the game so hats off to him.”

City’s third win in the opening seven games lifted them up to eighth ahead of the first free midweek for a month.

Hughes said: “It’s not going to be easy. A lot of teams have strengthened this year and arguably it’s one of the strongest League Two seasons people have seen.

“It’s going to take some effort but we’re trying to drive everything forward on and off the pitch. Win games and everything else falls into place.”