JAMES Meredith has signed a new two-year deal to keep him at Valley Parade until the summer of 2017.

The Australian left back, who turns 27 on Sunday, has been one of City's most consistent performers this season after forcing his way back into the team.

He has made 43 appearances and only fellow defenders Rory McArdle and Stephen Darby have started more games. Meredith has played 116 times in total since he was recruited in 2012.

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson said: "I'm absolutely delighted with James. He's been excellent for us ever since he joined the club from York.

"He's a player who is a good age and continues to improve. He's been a very good signing for us. His performances have always been consistent since he's been here.

"He's just had the couple of problems with glandular fever and the broken foot last year that really derailed him. But in all the time that he plays, he's a very committed player."

Meredith is currently only on a one-year deal after putting pen to paper on the eve of the season. But he usurped Alan Sheehan to win back his starting role in October and has been virtually ever-present in the team since.