BRADFORD City previously had a local lad on their books who 'used to work in the Co-op' in Idle-raised James Hanson.

Recent signing George Pratt hails from nearby Wrose. He not have worked for that particular supermarket, but he lives 'just behind' one.

The Blackburn Rovers loanee was afforded a special moment in his emerging career when he debuted for his hometown club in Saturday's League One victory over Mansfield Town in front of a big Valley Parade crowd.

The big left-sided defender admitted to having a few butterflies ahead of kick-off after being told he would be playing around two-and-a-half hours earlier. If he'd be told the previous day, sleep might have been difficult in truth.

Bradford City defender George Pratt, pictured on his debut for his hometown club against Mansfield Town on Saturday. Photo: Tony Johnson.

placeholder image — Bradford City defender George Pratt, pictured on his debut for his hometown club against Mansfield Town on Saturday. Photo: Tony Johnson.

Pratt said: "Bradford's obviously close to my heart, being from Bradford and five, ten minutes away from the ground.

"It makes it that little bit extra special and all my mates are in the crowd and a lot of my family can come to watch.

"Obviously you get those butterflies before the game and there's a lot of fans, nearly a sell-out and they're really loud. You get those butterflies, which are nice.

"I used to play for Thackley when I was younger, but I'm from Wrose, behind the Co-op.

Bradford City defender Aden Baldwin wins the air miles against Mansfield Town as debutant George Pratt (second right) looks on. Photo: Tony Johnson.

"I think when my agent called me and told me (about the interest), I told him straight away that I wanted to home in on this one and really focus on this one and hopefully get it done.

"I think when Bradford came calling, there was only ever one place I'd go."

On whether he has always kept an eye on the club's results, he continued: "I do, actually, because my mates are fans and my family come every now and again.

"It's something that I've got it favourited on my FotMob, so you can see your favourite teams. So, I always keep an eye."

Debut day went well for the 22-year-old, who played his part as solid City kept a clean sheet and got back on track after successive defeats to Cambridge United and Plymouth Argyle.

Graham Alexander's side now switch to EFL Cup action and visit Leyton Orient on Tuesday night, with Pratt eligible to play.

He continued: "Yes, I can play.

"I want to play every game and the lads want to win every game. And it's a big driving force for Bradford to do well in cup competitions like they always have. So this year is no different."

On Saturday's shut-out, he added: "Especially when the ball went out of play when we were under the cosh a little bit and the whistle went, It was nice.

"We knew we'd be under the cosh when they're bringing on high-quality players.

"But we backed ourselves and worked hard and dug it out."