Bradford City have been backed to bounce back strongly next season by one of the heroes of their last successful ascent from the First Division.

Boss Jim Jefferies hailed City's battling display against Liverpool on Tuesday as the best yet and believes the foundations are there for a serious assault at promotion.

And his views are shared by Darren Moore, a cornerstone of the promotion campaign two years ago.

Moore, who played in all but two of their 46 league games that season, is convinced the Bantams will shake off any Premiership hangover and launch an immediate attempt to return to the top flight.

As he relishes the prospect of returning to his old stamping ground with present club Portsmouth, providing they stay up after slipping into the bottom three, 'Bruno' reckons Jefferies' side will pack the punch to floor Nationwide League opponents.

He said: "Although Bradford have struggled at times this season, they will be more than a match for most Division One clubs next year.

"They've a very good squad and if the manager buys well in the summer they will be a real force in the division as they try to go back up at the first attempt.

"It's a great shame Bradford are dropping down after just a couple of seasons but I'm heartened to see that they have gone down fighting.

"It's just unfortunate that they couldn't have started the little run they've just enjoyed a little bit earlier because they might then have had an outside chance of climbing out of trouble.

"But at least they've restored some pride and are determined to go out on a winning note. I had some very happy times at Valley Parade and I look forward to going back there to play and renew old acquaintances."