Striker Oliver eager to push on after getting Bradford City chance

The three-game losing run going into Christmas was frustrating; Tuesday’s home loss to Rochdale on the back of consecutive wins infuriating.

But, in the eyes of the big striker, there is no point in dwelling on what cannot be changed.

“It’s gone,” he said. “Don’t look back at all.

“You can only look forward and take one game at a time.

“It’s what you do at the end of the season that matters. We’re constantly looking forward and hoping to progress.”

Rochdale came as a nasty hiccup for the Bantams as another chance to eat into the points gap with the automatic promotion spots slipped through their grasp.

Oliver’s opportunities were limited on the night but it has still been a productive return to the frontline after spending the bulk of his first half-season at Valley Parade on the bench.

Andy Cook’s scoring form meant the summer capture from Gillingham was restricted to a watching brief and late cameos as a sub.

His first league goal in September against this afternoon’s opponents Wimbledon rescued a late, late point. But instead of providing the springboard that he would have hoped, Oliver remained in reserve.

That naturally prompted thoughts that maybe the big man would be forced to look elsewhere for regular game time.

A run of three straight starts at Cook’s expense, though, has revived his fortunes. He's not looking back.

“It’s been a long time coming for me,” he admitted. “I’m trying to grab the opportunity with both hands and enjoy the football.

“It’s been very hard - but it’s been very hard for quite a few of us. There are a few players who are in a similar boat to what I was.

“It’s tough, especially when you’re not used to it, but the team were doing well and Cooky has been phenomenal for us. So, you’ve got to bide your time.

“When you do get that opportunity, you’ve got to grasp it and I’m trying to do that now.”

Oliver may be happy to stay put but there is still plenty of movement around the dressing room as the transfer window gets into full flow.

Thierry Nevers has joined earlier recruits Ciaran Kelly and Matt Derbyshire at Valley Parade with another loan signing imminent.

Meanwhile, Tyreik Wright and Lee Angol have both departed in the past week. Fiacre Kelleher had also joined Colchester.

Oliver is well accustomed to the mid-season toing and froing that goes on.

“I’ve no doubt that there are going to be more incomings and outgoings. It’s just the nature of the sport.

“It’s like a revolving door in football. You can make some really good friends and then we hit the transfer window and all of a sudden they are gone.

Tyreik Wright played twice up front before leaving City (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“This is a big club. We’re in a position now where we’re in touching distance so it’s only right that you’re going to see new people in coming in just to try and get us over that line and make that final push.”

Before his sudden exit, Wright had been played as the second striker by Mark Hughes in a shift in formation which has seen City play with a narrower, midfield diamond.

Abo Eisa took over the role in midweek and scored his second goal in successive outings.

Oliver feels the different formation suits his own game better.

“I’m involved in the game more,” he added. “Systems work for certain players and not for others, it’s just how it is.

“This works for me being more of a focal point, getting the ball into me earlier and then working off crosses in the box. That’s what I’ve done all my career so it’s my strongest point.

“Ty going is a big loss but with the team shape now we’ve got an abundance of players who can step in.”

Oliver insists there has been no “professional jealousy” over Cook’s goal-getting exploits.

“I’ve been there myself and I know what it’s like. It’s great for the team and for him."

But a double in the win over Salford has boosted his own confidence - even if the club had to haggle to get the first recorded as his rather than a visiting own goal.

Oliver laughed: “I couldn’t believe it. I went in at half-time and knew it was definitely my goal.

“Then, as I came out, one of the subs was saying that it had gone down as an own-goal.

“I asked the ref and he said it came off the defender. I was like, ‘no, ref, what you doing?’

“I lost my head - he was robbing me of goals here! But it got rectified in the end and that’s the main thing.”

Meanwhile, City’s trip to Gillingham has been rearranged for Tuesday, February 28.