Bradford City's two-goal hero Gordon Watson hailed the role of his family in his comeback from an injury that threatened to end his career.

The Bantams striker has endured 18 months of pain and frustration since suffering a horrific double fracture of his right leg in a West Yorkshire derby with Huddersfield Town.

There were initial fears that Watson's career may have been over, but he has battled back and his two strikes on Saturday were his first goals since a 1-0 win over Port Vale in January, 1997.

After coming on as an 83rd- minute substitute against John Hendrie's Barnsley, Watson struck after 86 and 89 minutes to cap a marvellous City fightback.

Watson, who spent the rest of the weekend in Southampton with his partner Clare and their son Callum, paid a warm tribute to his family.

"I wanted to spend time with the three people who mean the most to me - Clare, Callum and my father-in-law Ron. They are the ones who have stuck by me through this and kept me going all the time.

"When I put all my weight on, it was Ron who gave me stick, which was just what I needed.

"He was very honest with me throughout and said I was not going to get back if I didn't work hard."

Watson was delighted to grab both goals to seal City's fourth successive victory, although he was quick to point out that he still has a lot of hard work ahead of him.

He said: "I am not going to get caught up in the nonsense that I have scored two goals and that I am back. Of course I enjoyed scoring the goals, but I still have a lot of work to do.

"Come Monday morning, I know I am going to have to work my socks off. The Barnsley game is over now.

"I have had many bad times. It has been 18 months of hell - watching any football match and feeling that I could play a part. However, you then look down and see that one of your legs is in pieces.

"But it is great to be playing again. I want to play for the reserves on Wednesday against Rotherham - it is all about getting fit and I can only do that through playing.

"I must admit I didn't think I was going to get on. I had just seen the other two subs go on and I wanted to be out there.

"Everyone at the club has been very good to me. I want to repay that and the best thing I can give them is what I did against Barnsley - a win."

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