Influential defender Darren Moore is hoping to put his injury nightmare behind him and be an ever-present for Bradford City next season.

The 24-year-old's first season with the Bantams was badly hit by an abductor muscle injury, which restricted the former Doncaster Rovers player to just four games in the final five months.

Moore had enjoyed a superb start to his City career with a series of high-quality displays alerting several Premiership clubs, with Wimbledon and Derby both believed to be interested.

And he is determined to rediscover that form now he is back to full fitness. He said: "I have had the summer off, which is exactly what the injury needed. I have now had some time for rest.

"I have done a bit of work during the summer and am now back at the club doing some running, ahead of joining up with the rest of the squad on Monday.

"If there was a game tomorrow I would be fit for selection.

" In myself I feel fine and confident it is all behind me. I am looking for a good pre-season to be ready for the start.

"My hope for the season is to be back in contention for the first team. Ideally I want to stay in the side and be ever-present for Bradford City."

Moore's return would be a massive boost for City, as he showed last season just how invaluable he is to the defence.

He made his debut in a goalless draw at Oxford United in late September, and went on to help the Bantams concede just one goal in his first seven matches.

His speed, strength in the air and distribution were major factors in City having a good defensive record early in the season.

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