JORDAN Gibson wants to prove he is more than just City’s Checkatrade Trophy specialist.

The young winger caught the eye in his first start of the season in Tuesday’s penalties win over Everton under-21s – after seven appearances from the bench.

Gibson was the stand-out performer for the Bantams in the same competition last year but found league opportunities limited.

But now he is hoping another decent display will boost his chances of breaking into David Hopkin’s starting plans against Bristol Rovers tomorrow.

Gibson said: “It was my first 90 minutes for almost five months and it was good to get out there. It was an opportunity to impress the new manager and gain some confidence.

“I’ve been coming off the bench this season and had the role as an impact player.

“I’ve been coming on in games when we’ve been 2-0 down like last week and I’ve had to try to do something to get us back in it.

“It’s much better to play from the start and I was happy to get some minutes in to show what I can do.”

City’s Checkatrade Trophy opener was watched by a record low audience of just 902 at Valley Parade. But Gibson saw it as another opportunity to make his mark and converted one of the penalties in the shoot-out.

He added: “The squad has been strong so these are the games I need to do well in and show what I’m all about.

“The manager has been playing five at the back with wing-backs so it’s been tough to get into the team at times.

“It was good that he changed it up and played two wingers. I thought it worked in some part at Doncaster.

“I want to help in any way and obviously I’ve got to work my way into the team by working hard and being patient.

“And I’ve got to take the opportunity when it comes. I thought it went OK and hopefully I’ll get another chance going into the weekend.”

City have lost five on the bounce to drop to 22nd spot but Gibson feels the midweek result has boosted morale to face a Rovers side two points above them.

“We just needed a result and it’s something to build on after the last five games.

“It brings a different vibe into training and everyone’s got a little bit more intense. There are people smiling again and we’re looking forward to tomorrow.

“We’ve had quite a rough patch but I’d rather have it now than at the back end like we did last season.

“Everybody has been a bit more positive since Tuesday and three points would be massive.”