Bantams boss delighted with Calum Kavanagh's work ethic

The 20-year-old striker has scored four times in eight league starts since signing from Middlesbrough on deadline day.

Kavanagh is confident he can continue to keep finding the net as he establishes himself on the League Two stage.

But Alexander feels the mid-season window recruit is already making an impression with his all-round game.

“What we do like about him is that he still contributes even if he’s not scoring,” said the City boss.

“That’s what all our players need to do, especially the attackers. If you don’t score, there are still other things you bring to the team and Kav’s done that.

“He had six shots on Saturday and five of them hit the target. That’s a fantastic ratio for a striker in any game.

“He’s got that instinct and knack to continually run towards the goal.

“No matter if he’s been involved in the link-up play before it, he’s inevitably wanting to get back into goal-scoring areas.

“His goal return has been really positive for us but it’s also his work ethic and what he gives us.

“Even if he doesn’t score, he’s still really effective.

“We feel there’s still a lot more to come from him. We can improve him and he can improve himself.

“But I think he’s made a really strong start to his Bradford City career.”

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international pounced for the equaliser in the comeback at Salford to go with his previous goals at home against Tranmere, Sutton and MK Dons.

City have won all four games when Kavanagh has been on the scoresheet.

Alexander has been impressed with his attitude from the moment they first met to discuss a potential move.

“We had seen his performances when he was out on loan before but he was disappointed with his goal return. He didn’t come up with any excuses and we really liked that about him.

Calum Kavanagh finished last season on loan at Newport (Image: Newsquest)

“He wasn’t putting it on other people but taking accountability for missing chances. If you do that, you’ve got a better chance of improving.

“We work a lot on the finishing aspect every day in training. If he sees that continual improvement, I think his energy and movement will get him into good positions.

“He’s just got to have that composure to take advantage.

“It goes without saying that if you manage to stay in the team all season and carry on the ratio he’s had, you’re going to score a lot of goals.

“I think he’s been a real positive for us since he came in January.

“Along with Sam Walker and Tyreik Wright, the three players we’ve brought in, I think they have been good improvements.

“If we can continue that type of recruitment drive in the summer, we feel we’ll be a better team for it.”