Bradford City's Kayden Jackson on 'special' responsibility and 'really good' understanding with Reece Welch
Kayden Jackson has reflected on Bradford City’s Carabao Cup win over Leyton Orient
Kayden Jackson admitted it was “special” to captain his boyhood club Bradford City to a 3-1 win over Leyton Orient.
The Bantams booked a place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup last night (September 8), eliminating Orient with goals from Will Swan, Stephen Humphrys and Nick Powell.
Experienced forward Jackson wore the armband while displaying his versatility down the right flank as a makeshift wing-back.
Kayden Jackson as stand-in captain
Post-match, he told BBC Sport West Yorkshire: “It’s nice [to be captain], it’s just an added bonus. Boyhood club, of course it’s special.
“I’d love to lead the team a few more times and maybe at Wembley if Sarce (Antoni Sarcevic) fancies a rest, and a few of the other senior lads.”
Defensive help from Reece Welch
Jackson is renowned for his versatility and delivered a stellar display at right wing-back in the capital.
He had help from right-sided centre-back Reece Welch, who offered guidance for the out-of-position Jackson.
The 32-year-old said: “Of course, you’ve got more responsibility defensively. Sometimes, I’m a little bit keen to get a pass off and make a forward run. Sometimes, I was a little bit loose. Luckily, it didn’t come to something. You have to look at the game differently. I did burst forward a few times but you can’t go every time. We’ve got top communication at the back.
“That’s a few times now I’ve played with Reece at the back. We’ve got a really good partnership, a really good understanding, speak to each other. When you’ve got an understanding with somebody, it helps a lot. Fair play to him, he’s a young lad who’s not played tons of football in the senior game.
“For him to have that understanding and speak to me... he knows I’m not a defensive-minded player first and foremost.
“For him to take on that role of almost guiding me at times, positionally, stuff like that, it’s nice to have an understanding and a little partnership with him. Everyone else around it, everyone’s doing their jobs, everyone’s in the right spots. If you’re not, you react and you get there as soon as possible.”