FINDING positives in City’s season up to now has been like trying to track down someone who is actually enjoying 2020.

But Kian Scales arguably fits into both categories.

The first three months of the campaign have been a tale of misery for Stuart McCall’s side as they wallow in the dangerous depths of League Two.

It is a tough time for any Bantams fan watching iFollow through their fingers.

But there has been one chink of light in the overriding gloom – the performance of some of the youngest members of the squad.

Four were promoted from the youth ranks over the summer, five if you include Reece Staunton, with the promise of making their mark.

Each have had a taste and not been found wanting even in circumstances around them far trickier than they would have anticipated.

Scales is the latest young gun to be thrust into the spotlight and caught the eye on his full league debut against Cheltenham.

The attacking midfielder had made six previous appearances, including three starts in the Papa John’s Trophy.

But after half an hour from the bench at Leyton Orient last week, he was thrown in from the off against League Two high flyers Cheltenham on Tuesday as McCall continues to juggle his available resources round the lengthy casualty list.

Scales, who turned 19 a month ago, is a naturally attacking midfielder and the Bantams boss encouraged him not to be afraid to have a go. The youngster made a lively impression.

His first touch was a looping volley that – but for a deflection – might have troubled Robins keeper Josh Griffiths. He played with that positivity throughout before inevitably tiring like those around him.

Scales said: “We obviously want to be in a better situation. We want to put in a performance that the fans are proud of and want to go on a run.

“From when I was young, my dad always said just to work hard. That’s the minimum – give all you can running-wise, tackling, stay with your man and go from there.

“I was expecting it to be quicker, more physical and intense because the games mean much more. But I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

Finn Cousin-Dawson, Jorge Sikora and Connor Shanks have also featured for McCall, who insisted from the off that the teenagers were not just there to make up the numbers.

“The manager has shown that he trusts us,” added Scales. “From the first game of the season when Reece was put in the side, that gave all the rest of us confidence.

“Finn has made two starts at Bolton and Barrow and it gives us confidence that there are appearances to be made.

“Being younger doesn’t affect whether you’ll be in the squad or not.”

Scales has been with City long enough coming up through the ranks to know that has not always been the case. But he can sense the different mood.

“Even last year, as an example, none of the youth team were given pro contracts.

“It’s good to see that changed and they could trust us five to come up and make an impact on the squad. We want to be more than just a squad number and push for those starting shirts and the bench.

“It hasn’t happened a lot over the past years but we want to change that.

“All the lads in the academy and youth team should look at it and see that there are chances here at this club.

“They should all be thinking, ‘if I play well, I can keep going up and then whatever age make the next stage up’. The chance is there.”