Michael Flynn would love to swap places with his City team-mates this week.

While the Bantams head for Essex tomorrow morning for the first of four friendlies in a hectic southern tour, Flynn has a day of running planned.

It will be the same routine on Wednesday, the next day and the one after that. Such is the frustration of an injured player during pre-season.

At least he won’t be alone. Midfield colleague Tommy Doherty has also been left behind to mend the calf which has hampered his early days with a new club.

Flynn is nursing a slight stomach tear. Though nothing serious, it is a major annoyance for a player who likes to be the life and soul of the dressing room.

He admitted: “I hate it just running. I’d love to be playing games like the rest of the lads but I’ve got to get the rehab’ done.

“At least Damo (physio Damion Buck) will be down in Essex now because his banter’s absolutely terrible.

“Doc (Doherty) and I have been on suicide watch for the last week. He’s been boring us to tears!

“The injury is nothing to worry about and not the problem I had at the end of last season. I’ve probably just overdone it with the sit-ups or something.

“As long as the running goes all right this week, then it should be okay. I’ve worked hard over the summer and had lost 3.5 kilogrammes when we came back, so my fitness is good anyway.”

Flynn’s heart-on-the-sleeve approach has quickly earned him cult status among City supporters.

That backing provided a much-needed boost for the Welshman, who started more games than anyone in his first term at the club.

For such a self-confident person, it’s hard to imagine that his morale had taken a big dip before he made the short move from Huddersfield on the eve of last season.

But having been frozen out by Lee Clark at the Terriers, Flynn’s belief in his own game needed a lift.

He said: “The year at Huddersfield knocked my confidence a lot. You do start doubting yourself because somebody doesn’t fancy you as a player.

“I felt I’d been playing all right but it was still there nagging away in the back of the mind. It was a hard time for me.

“But it’s been totally different at Bradford. I’ve always felt wanted here. That’s what came across when Stuart (McCall) first signed me and seeing the size of the club and the fans made up my mind.

“The supporters have taken to me and that gives you a massive lift. It feels like a Championship game when you walk out at Valley Parade.

“That really helps when you are playing at home. It’s funny to think we get bigger crowds than Blackpool and they are now in the Premier League.”

There were fears that Flynn’s head might be turned during the summer after the disappointment of last season’s bottom-half finish. But he rebuffed interest from League One – and the offer of more money – to nail his colours to Peter Taylor’s mast.

He insisted: “I’ve always said that money is not everything for me. I’m really enjoying playing for Bradford and, with Peter Taylor, I believe we are going to have a good crack at it.

“The gaffer is building a strong squad and the potential is there – but we’ve got to get a good start.”