Bradford City midfielder Dan Pybus is relishing Saturday’s pre-season friendly at Valley Parade more than most.
- Fans can still buy their ticket for Saturday's trip to Bradford City.
- John O'Shea recaps on the Lads' pre-season so far.
- ALS: Fanzine pen their latest thoughts on pre-season.
The former Sunderland youngster completed his switch to the West Yorkshire club at the start of March after being released from the Stadium of Light in January.
Pybus struck 15 times in just 23 games in his final season on Wearside, a trait he has taken with him to the Bantams as he has scored three times in as many games under Stuart McCall’s watchful eye.
And with the arrival of his former club to Valley Parade this weekend, Pybus has told BBC Radio Leeds, it’s a match he has been working “extra hard” to be ready for.
“The main objective is to get some minutes in the legs and put in a good team performance,” he said.
“(Against Eccleshill) we passed the ball well but we were a bit sloppy at times. Shots were going over but in the second half we were much better, we upped the intensity and that really made a difference.
“(I’ve scored) three goals in three games. I’m happy. If I can keep scoring then that’s my aim but we will just take each game as it comes.”
He continued: “When I was younger I used to play defensive midfield but when I turned into a scholar that (goalscoring) definitely got put into my game.
“Over the last couple of years, I have really gone for it and the goals have just started to come.
“The team is getting fitter every game and come the first league game we will all be ready.
“I want to play for myself, put some good performances in and help the team as much as I can.
“It is why I was working extra hard against Eccleshill because Sunderland is on Saturday.
“If I manage to get on I manage to get on, if I’m not involved then I have got to keep my head up high and prepare for the next game I am involved in.
“I want to play as many games as I can. I want to push myself as much as I can, perform to my potential and see how much I can play.”
