Injured Reece Burke plots dream end to season with Bradford City

But the loanee defender insists that his dream of signing off with the League One club at Wembley remains a realistic target despite a stuttering start to 2016 for the club that has yielded just two goals in six games.

“The league is really tight,” said Burke, whose stay from West Ham United was recently extended until the end of the season. “I was looking at the table the other day and we do have games in hand.

“We can catch teams up. We need to go on a good run, admittedly. But I want to get promoted, that is an aim of mine as a player. For the club and the fans, that is what we all want.

“My last game (for Bradford being) at Wembley (in the play-offs) would be good.

“I would be here if we did get there, I checked (when I extended the loan).

“It is an incentive.”

If Burke’s dream is to become a reality, City have work to do following Tuesday night’s 1-0 derby loss at home to Barnsley.

The teenager was substituted at half-time after injuring his Achilles and underwent a scan yesterday. The result is expected today.

“Having my future sorted until the end of the season is great,” said Burke despite Tuesday’s injury setback. “I was month by month at the start of the season. After each month, I would be on to my agent and club over the phone, asking, ‘Where is it now?’ Now, I don’t have to worry.”

Billy Clarke is out for four weeks with the hamstring injury he sustained in the Barnsley defeat. City, meanwhile, will not face Devante Cole tomorrow after a gentleman’s agreement with Fleetwood Town following last week’s £75,000 switch. Loanee Jamie Proctor also cannot play against his parent club.