BRADFORD City manager Graham Alexander admits he will be happy enough if Corey O’Keeffe is partly motivated by a desire to prove Barnsley wrong after he sealed a deadline-day move to Valley Parade.

O’Keeffe has joined City on a two-year deal, having found himself down the pecking order at Oakwell at the start of this season.

The 28-year-old was an unused substitute in the club’s opening three matches of the campaign with Reds head coach Daniel Stendel choosing to field a very young line-up as part of his brave new world at Oakwell.

The former Birmingham City and Mansfield Town player did start – and score – against Crewe in the EFL Cup and came off the bench for a brief league appearance last weekend, his final outing for the club.

O’Keeffe, who spent the first half of last season on loan at Stockport County, now finds himself in West Yorkshire.

Alexander, whose side welcome one of O’Keeffe’s former clubs in Mansfield Town on Saturday, said: "If he feels he has a point to prove to other people, and if it helps him play better, then great.

"If he just wants to prove us right for bringing him here, then great. I’m not fussed whatever your motivation is – as long as you’re motivated.

"It’s demotivated players that are just a waste of time.

Bradford City manager Graham Alexander. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

"To see a lad that’s motivated to come to a really good club, he sees we’re ambitious and how we want to play. He can see a role for himself in it.

"I think he knows quite a lot of the players anyway, not just the ex-Barnsley lads but others. I think he’s going to fit right in.

"We spoke to a few people about his character and it was all really positive stuff.”

Alexander admits he has not spoken to O’Keeffe specifically regarding his recent time at Oakwell, with the main thing that struck him being his desire to make the switch to Valley Parade after just over three years with Barnsley.

"I haven't asked Corey about his whole period at Barnsley,” the City chief added.

"Obviously, when I spoke to him a few days ago it was just about what he could bring to us, what we are as a club and a team.

"He played against us last season, so he's sort of seen it first-hand and the impression we made on League One.

"Everyone knows what the challenge is at Bradford City and the fan base. When I spoke to him, he was super-excited about coming to join us and all the potential about it.

“I just think a fresh start sometimes for everybody is good. But I don't really delve too much into the players' past. Because if you do, then you're bringing the past forward.

"I want him to come in with fresh eyes, fresh impetus and just hit the ground running.

"It was good to see him out on the pitch in an 11 v 11 (against the youth team). That was the first time we had the opportunity to have the new players with us playing in that sort of session and the early signs were really good.”