Meredith makes impressive start to City life but McArdle missing after Irish call

The 24-year-old signed for the Bantams on a Bosman free transfer after turning down offers from elsewhere.

Championship duo Burnley and Watford were among the teams chasing Meredith but Parkinson won the race after outlining his vision for the future at Valley Parade.

Suitably impressed, the full-back signed a two-year deal and has since started all but one of Bradford’s 15 league and cup outings this term. And even the one game he missed, the midweek penalty shoot-out win over Hartlepool United in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, saw Meredith come off the bench for the final 18 minutes.

Parkinson said: “James has been excellent for us, a really good signing. I knew he had plenty of potential and what I saw last season when watching him has been confirmed since he came here.

“He is a very good player. James had offers from elsewhere. First Division clubs were in for him but players look at Bradford and the support we get here, and that is attractive.

“This club can go places. It was a big selling point for James because he is ambitious. We want players who are good enough to progress with the club and James has certainly fallen into that category.

“With new signings, we sometimes take them to the ground. Sometimes we meet on neutral territory but more often than not at Valley Parade. Good players want to play on a big stage because it means more people will see them.

“I believe it is a great selling point. We also sit down and explain to them our plans for the squad.

“We also show the professionalism of our set-up.

“I want players who want to improve themselves and improve with the club. This is a tough division and you need that bit of desire and ambition to make the difference.”

Meanwhile, Bradford will be without Rory McArdle tomorrow after the full-back was called up by Northern Ireland for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Portugal.

Parkinson added: “It is good for Rory. Everyone wants to play for their country. But, equally, I would love him to play for us against York.

“I did ask (Northern Ireland manager) Michael O’Neill if it was possible Rory could stay with us and then fly out after the game but, unfortunately, they weren’t prepared for him to do that.

“That was a shame but rules are rules. If a player gets called up, he has to go. And Rory left us on Wednesday.

“I explained to Michael O’Neill that we had a few injuries, including the situation with Luke Oliver who is rated as 50-50 to be fit to face York.

“But I understand he has to do a job for Ireland, just as I have to do a job for Bradford. It is something we will have to overcome.”

Stephen Darby is likely to deputise at right-back as Bradford chase a first league win in four outings.