Bradford City could be in line for a shock place in next season's UEFA Cup.

The Bantams' excellent disciplinary record has helped them into second place in the Premiership Fair Play League behind Manchester United.

And if they can maintain that position then Paul Jewell's men may win a place in Europe's second most prestigious competition after the Champ-ions' League.

Each country's national side receives marks out of ten in each international game. UEFA have decided that those who finish with an average of more than eight out of ten this season will be entered into a ballot in May.

England have an average of 8.08 and on the current standings would join 13 other countries in the ballot. If England are the lucky country to be picked out, the Football Association must nominate a club to enter the UEFA Cup next season.

A spokesman said: "We would base that on the Fair Play League. There are 14 countries who currently have an average of more than eight with the Republic of Ireland top of the table and ourselves in 11th position. We can only put a club forward if England are drawn out as the ballot winner."

Last season, eight countries went forward to the ballot with Scotland being picked out and this handed Kilmar-nock a place in the first round of the UEFA Cup.

"This is a big surprise to me. I knew we had a good record with red and yellow cards but didn't realise it was so good.

"We were joking at the start of the season that we were aiming for Europe but we meant a week in Magaluf once the campaign is over!

"If we could be going to Inter Milan it would be great but it is a long way off yet. If we had to choose between finishing top of the Fair Play League or staying up, I know which I would choose.

"In one respect it is a credit to the sensible approach of the players. You look at our side and Andy O'Brien hasn't been booked all season which is amazing for a centre half."

The domestic Fair Play League is calculated on the basis of yellow cards, positive play, behaviour of officials and respect towards opponents and referees.

City are second behind Manchester United but with the Reds certainties for a place in either the Champions League or UEFA Cup next season, that means the FA will have to look for another club should England win the ballot.

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