Luke O’Brien today thanked the fans for keeping him going as he prepared to start his first game at Valley Parade for seven months.

City’s longest-serving player admitted the supporters played a huge part in helping him cope with the frustration of being out the side.

O’Brien, who will start at left back against Cheltenham, has been “humbled” by the positive reception from the stands – which even prompted one opponent to describe him as a club legend.

He said: “When I came on at Macclesfield, I went to take a throw-in straight away and all the Bradford fans behind me were clapping me and cheering.

“One of their players came over and said ‘blimey, you must be a massive legend there getting a reaction like that’. I just laughed and told him it’s because I’d been out of the team for a while.

“But it means a lot when you hear the fans cheering. They’ve been unbelievable.

“I went to warm up in the Wimbledon game, which was the first time I was on the bench at home. All the crowd in that corner got up and clapped.

“It made me feel humble. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up because Bradford does mean a lot to me.

“I’ve been here since I was nine. I was born and bred Bradford City and I do love this club.

“You’ll always get the odd fan having a bit of a go and everyone’s welcome to their opinion.

“But on the other hand, it’s a huge help when you know the crowd are behind you and shouting your name from the side. It’s a real positive to get support like that.”

O’Brien, who last began a game at Valley Parade against Torquay on April 9, has been involved in City’s last seven matches.

Having been forced to play second fiddle to Robbie Threlfall, his rival’s thigh injury has now given him another crack at the left-back berth.

O’Brien played his part in last week’s gutsy draw at Swindon – his first full 90 minutes in the league – and is desperate to seize the opportunity.

The former player of the year had found it tough adapting from a first-team regular to suddenly being stuck on the fringes.

He said: “I’ve been used to playing every week in the last three seasons. When you’re getting over 40 games a season under your belt, then it came as a massive shock.

“I’d played all pre-season and then Robbie got his chance and stuck at it.

“Every player’s unhappy when they aren’t in the team and it was very hard for me. It was also unfair on my fiancee and little girl because I was going home from training in a mood every day.

“But there’s no point in going behind anyone’s back and slagging off the gaffer of whatever.

“It’s all down to the manager, who picks the team. You’ve just got to go out there and give it your best.”

Threlfall is expected to be sidelined for another fortnight. O’Brien is sympathetic towards his close pal but insists it is “dog eat dog” when it comes down to the starting slot.

“We’re good mates and probably the closest in the team because we play the same position,” he said.

“In all fairness, Robbie has done the job and played well. I’ve no problems about that and always wish him luck before every game.

“But it’s also dog eat dog because he’s had the shirt in front of me. He knows that it’s our job.

“Hopefully Robbie gets back fit as soon as possible and then it’s down to him to go on from there.

“But I know this is my chance to show the gaffer what I can do. I know I’ve played a bit on the left and right wing but this is my opportunity in my favourite position and I want to keep that shirt.”