'That is Bradford' - Bradford City goalkeeper Jon McCracken on 'surreal' Scotland chance and Bantams solidity
Jon McCracken has discussed Bradford City’s solidity and his return to the Scotland fold
Bradford City goalkeeper Jon McCracken has admitted it is “surreal” to have been recalled to the Scotland set-up.
The 26-year-old joined the Bantams from Dundee in the summer, taking the place of the much-loved Sam Walker between the sticks at Valley Parade.
He has made a strong start to life in West Yorkshire, keeping four clean sheets across Bradford’s opening six League One games.
His form has pushed him back into the international fold, earning the uncapped stopper his first Scotland call-up since 2024.
Jon McCracken on Scotland recall
After Bradford’s 1-0 away win over Luton Town at the weekend, McCracken told the Bradford media team: “It is a great honour to get recognition from your national team, but that only comes from doing the basics right at club level.
“I am grateful to the club, the manager and the players for giving me the platform to perform.
“It is unbelievable, surreal even, to get this opportunity. Every kid dreams of representing their country, so to have that chance is amazing.”
Bradford City’s solidity
McCracken kept Luton at bay at the weekend but was keen to ensure credit for the clean sheet was dispensed throughout the side.
He said: “I am proud to take credit for it, but it is not just me; it is the whole team. You see how much Bees (Jake Beesley) works up top and how well the defenders block things. I did not have to make many saves today, which is purely down to my team.
“We are a hard team to break down. We want to score more goals, but we do not need to when we are so solid. That is Bradford - that is what the manager has installed here."
Scotland have four Nations League fixtures coming up, with a trip to Slovenia on September 26 first on the agenda.
They will then host Switzerland at Hampden Park on September 29 before visiting North Macedonia on October 3. The run of fixtures will be rounded off on home turf against Slovenia on October 6.
Bradford, meanwhile, are preparing to host Newcastle United Under-21s in the EFL Trophy tomorrow night (September 22).