Notts County v Bradford City: MacKenzie determined not to miss out again

The 29-year-old, who joined Bradford City on loan just before the transfer window closed last month, has twice been involved in the end-of-season promotion deciders with MK Dons.

However, Peterborough United in 2011 and Huddersfield Town a year later ensured both ended in semi-final heartache.

Now, though, after joining Bradford until the end of the season, the Scot is adamant that his luck can finally change.

“There is an incentive for us all and we all want to be successful,” said MacKenzie, who is expected to start against Notts County today as Phil Parkinson rings the changes with Monday’s FA Cup quarter-final replay in mind.

“There is no greater incentive than trying to progress as a club. That is what we have here at Bradford. I have been in the play-offs before and it is a great thing to be involved in as a footballer.”

MacKenzie’s arrival on February 2 was followed by his first taste of action in claret and amber just a couple of weeks later in the 2-0 win at Leyton Orient.

It was his first action since mid-April after suffering an Achilles injury that was initially wrongly diagnosed, much to his frustration.

The Blackpool loanee defender added: “For me, someone who hasn’t played much football, I needed to play. My last game was April and with the amount of games coming, there was always a chance I would get a chance.

“I have been in the play-offs before but this season there are so many teams still involved. It is a great situation to be involved in as a footballer, a lot better than if a season is petering out and there is just game after game coming along with nothing but pride at stake.”