Bantams loan defender Jack Shepherd inspired by John Stones

Shepherd is settling into his season-long loan with City – and set to see his first Valley Parade action as a home player tomorrow night in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.

The 23-year-old played the full game, including converting a confident penalty in the shoot-out, in the Carabao Cup at Grimsby.

And he was thrust into a near full game at Blundell Park again at the weekend after Aden Baldwin’s early hamstring injury.

Shepherd only turned pro with Barnsley just over a year ago after combining playing with his day job as a kitchen fitter.

He has learned not to waste a moment having worked his way up from level nine in the English pyramid.

Shepherd is not the first Penistone Church alumni to climb the ladder from the Northern Counties East League.

But he’s got some way to go to catch the Barnsley’s club most famous old boy – Manchester City and England regular Stones.

His success provides added motivation for Shepherd so early into his own EFL journey.

“It’s obviously great what John Stones has done,” said Shepherd. “Being local and playing for Penistone Church, I’ve always looked up to him.

“He’s shown that it’s possible, not just for me but for anyone. You’ve got to put in the hard work and then you never know what can happen.

“I didn’t think about it too much as such when I was playing for them because I just stayed in the moment. But when the idea (of turning pro) comes around, you’ve just got to back yourself.

“It was a jump but you’ve got to back yourself and adjust to the different style of play and intensity.”

Jack Shepherd says City have the same ambitions as Barnsley (Image: Thomas Gadd)

Barnsley plucked Shepherd from Pontefract Collieries after impressing on trial. He made his debut as a sub in a 7-0 thrashing of Port Vale.

After a half-season loan with Cheltenham, Shepherd arrived at Valley Parade during the window – but not before penning a new deal for the Tykes.

“It was nice to have been given the new contract before I went out on loan because you’ve got that reassurance.

“But I’m at this club now and I’ve just got to put in the performances and show why I’m on loan to get the games in.

“You’ve always got to stay grounded but back yourself and put in the performances. You’ve got to think that you’re good enough, that’s why you’re here.

“It’s a massive club and that’s one of the many reasons why I came. It’s a big fanbase with big expectations, so it’s a different challenge to what I had at Cheltenham last year."

Shepherd was sent off in a young Barnsley side that were trounced 5-1 at Valley Parade in the same competition last season. He is hoping to build happier memories of the place this time around.

“Bradford have aspirations of doing well and it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to.

“It’s the same with Barnsley in League One. They’ve got expectations of going up as well this year.

“It’s all about getting that experience. You’ve just got to get out there and play and work hard.”