Bradford City boss Graham Alexander on why George Lapslie is 'perfect example' for others to follow

Making his first league start since the end of August, the ex-Charlton Athletic man delivered a fine display and stepped up in the absence of Antoni Sarcevic and Bobby Pointon.

City trailed early on to Brendan Wiredu's strike as in-form Argyle, whose form in the third tier in 2026 has been bettered only by runaway champions Lincoln, threatened to turn the play-off heat on the hosts and others.

But the hosts held their nerve and levelled on 72 minutes through substitute Will Swan in a 1-1 draw at Valley Parade.

City will book play-off participation if they take a point at home to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday and Luton, who jumped above Plymouth into seventh spot, fail to beat Barnsley.

Citing Lapslie for praise, Alexander said: "I think Laps was absolutely magnificent. What a performance that was, considering he's not been in.

"I don't think he's started a league game (for eight months). He's not been in many matchday squads, but he's trained like he plays there.

"He's just all in and fully committed. He's in with the group and they trust him.

"He's been up against two outstanding players in Bobby and Sarce for game time.

"I'm glad for him he got that performance in such a big game, because, I'll be honest, I didn't think he had it in him to play as a holding six player and break up play and win the duels he did.

"I think he made double the amount of tackles than any other player on the pitch.

"He had intelligence in possession, certainly in the second half, making the right decisions when to release the ball, when to put it into space and knit the play together.”

Meanwhile, Alexander paid tribute to the mentality of Lapslie after not letting his exile from the first team affect his spirits and he patiently bided his time.

He continued: "That's an inspiration for those waiting. He’s an absolute perfect example.

"I think that people just look at him, because everyone in the squad will know how players behave in the changing room, in the gym, in the canteen, on the training pitch, all that sort of thing.

"When they see him get his opportunity, they'll put two and two together and go, ‘oh, that's why, because we see what he's like every day.’

"That's why I trust him and, when he goes in there, his teammates trust him.

"He’s shown miles more patience than I would have in his situation and deserves credit for that.

"That performance was absolutely top-notch in such an important game.”