Jason Gavin checked in to City and promised to rekindle the form that made him an international starlet.

Centre half Gavin, signed on a free from Middlesbrough, worked his way up the ranks with the Republic of Ireland.

But his rising career was put on hold after Terry Venables left the Riverside and he found himself out in the cold under Steve McClaren.

Now Gavin, 23, has the chance to push on again as the ninth signing in City's non-stop summer.

He said: "I didn't have the opportunity at Middles-brough last year so I'm happy to get away and make a fresh start and get noticed again.

"I've played more or less every level for Ireland and was on the bench for the senior team when I was playing regularly for Middlesbrough. But in the last year I haven't done that at all so that's probably why I've not been picked.

"There's always that chance again if I do well here, although first and foremost my aim is to do a good job for Bradford. Anything else would be a bonus."

Nicky Law was delighted to snap up the latest piece of the jigsaw which could complete his outfield shopping.

The Bantams boss spoke to experienced stoppers Steve Vickers and Ludovic Pollet but believes Gavin, who can also play right back, will bring a touch of Premiership quality to the ranks.

Law said: "We're looking for players with the right pedigree and Jason has the calibre to come in and make us better.

"While Terry Venables was there he played all the games for Middlesbrough before he had a bit of a fall-out with Steve McClaren.

"But he is a player we have been aware of, I've seen him in reserve games and he also had league experience last year on loan with Grimsby and Huddersfield."

Gavin, who admits he is well behind his new team-mates in their pre-season build-up, is looking forward to linking up again with Dean Windass after signing a two-year deal.

"I got on well with him at Middlesbrough and we became good friends," he said.

"Deano is a very confident player and hopefully his experience, together with the other players the club have brought in, can push us up the league.

"It can't get any worse than last year for me. I went to Grimsby and Huddersfield just to get some games and that did me the world of good but I needed to leave Middlesbrough.

"I was only playing reserve-team football there, although Middlesbrough's reserves are probably just as good as some of the First Division teams."

Meanwhile, Andy Myers today dropped into Division Two by signing for Colchester.

Boss Phil Parkinson said: "It's a great steal for us. We've got a quality player.

"I know he is going to play a very big part for the club."