Mark Paston aims to be the first City keeper for five years to chalk up three successive clean sheets.

If the big New Zealander makes it a hat-trick of blanks against Gillingham tomorrow, it will be the first time the Bantams have gone three games without leaking a goal since October 1998.

Paston has been an instant hit between the posts since achieving his dream of playing in England. And three games into a two-year contract, the 26-year-old is loving every minute.

"It's a bit of a blur really because everything has happened so fast," he admitted. "But I'm happy with the way I'm playing at the moment.

"You are surrounded by quality players and that's what I came over here for. I wanted to improve my game and you learn from playing with good teams and good coaches.

"It gives you a huge amount of confidence when the team is playing well like we did at Cardiff. We showed a lot of guts there and it was a big performance.

"Everyone enjoys playing alongside each other and there was a really good buzz about the team."

Paston's progress has also made ripples back in New Zealand, a traditional rugby stronghold.

He said: "It's hard to gauge from over here exactly what is being said but I get the feeling it's quite big news, which is a bit embarrassing. I did an interview for New Zealand TV during the week.

"I wouldn't say I'm a celebrity just yet but people are taking notice of what's happening with me. That's nice to know because obviously rugby is so big there.

"I know it's quite frustrating playing football in New Zealand because you don't get any coverage at all. Normally they will show the highlights from the Premiership every Sunday but apart from that the game there doesn't get much attention."

Inevitably the increased spotlight has raised Paston's hopes of adding to his one New Zealand cap. Although first he wants to hang on to the City starter's jersey with Alan Combe breathing down his neck.

Paston added: "It's definitely a goal of mine to get back in the international team and push Michael Utting for the

No 1 spot.

"But that's another step. My main goal here is to keep playing well for Bradford and hopefully New Zealand selection will follow on.

"It's good that Combey is fit again. I think there is going to be a battle all season for the keeper's jersey which is certainly healthy for the team.

"The one that's playing best at the time is in the team. That's how it should be.

"But the main thing is that we try to get more clean sheets. If you are doing that, it goes a long way towards winning games."

Paston may be the man in possession at the moment but Nicky Law has plenty to think about in other areas.

Republic of Ireland international Jason Gavin has recovered from his thigh strain and returned to full training yesterday. The former Middlesbrough centre half is hoping he gets the nod for tomorrow's squad.

Gavin said: "I don't feel any problems with it now and training was fine.

"I'd like to be in with a chance for the Gillingham game although it's going to be difficult to get into the side because they played so well last week."