Luton Town v Bradford City: Unsung hero Ibou Touray on some deserved kudos
BRADFORD City’s unsung hero Ibou Touray is not really one for seeing his name in lights.
The defender quietly and efficiently gets on with his job and is happy to leave the bouquets for others.
Nevertheless, the past week or so has afforded him some personal kudos. Many would say 'about time'.
Touray has returned to the international fold with Gambia after a few years’ absence.
Capped 27 times by the West African nation, the Liverpool-born player, who qualifies through his father, has been called up for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Somalia and Ghana.
The 31-year-old has previously represented Gambia in AFCON finals in 2021 and 2023.
Touray, who will head off later this weekend following his City commitments at Kenilworth Road, said: "I’ve had an (ongoing) dialogue with the (Gambia) manager.
"He's asked me to come a few times, to be honest, but I felt like I wanted to concentrate on my club career for a little bit and really establish myself.
"There were a few friendlies and stuff like that and I thought I didn't really want to miss any games here, to be honest - rather than just play friendlies.
"These are Africa Nations qualifiers, so I definitely want to be a part of it.
"Obviously I'm getting past 30 now, so to still be getting called up and be a part of the squad, it's really nice. Hopefully I can take some of my experience and help some of the younger lads in the squad.
"When I used to go when I was younger, it was a lot different to now. Now we've got players that play in the Premier League, Serie A and all those types of leagues. The standards have definitely improved as well.
"It's nice to be around players like that and hopefully it can improve me as well."
The epitome of consistency during his time at City, Touray has recently received accolades from the claret and amber hordes of late, with a song in homage to him circulating on social media after last weekend’s game at Notts County—it was previously aired earlier this season.
Touray added: "Yes, I've definitely heard it.
"It's class, to be fair. I really enjoy it. Hopefully it can continue.
"It definitely gives you that extra energy and spurs you on a little bit.
"When they first sang it at Sheffield Wednesday, a few of the lads said it was stuck in their heads.
"I heard it around the training ground a few times!"