Shaun Ainscough is slowly rebuilding battered confidence with the Bulls.

A try-scoring sensation when he broke into the Wigan team during 2009, the winger’s career has failed to take off quite as expected.

Overlooked by Wigan coach Michael Maguire, the 21-year-old made only one Super League appearance for the Warriors last season and was instead shipped out for loan spells at Castleford and Widnes.

But belief has started to return after an encouraging start to pre-season at Bradford.

“Confidence was dented a bit not being selected in his team and being sent out on loan,” said the former England Academy star.

“I went to Castleford and Widnes twice and it was hard changing all the time and trying to adapt to different teams. That didn’t make it easy for me.

“I’ve got a good chance here to turn it round and hopefully get a first-team place.”

The Bulls will hope Ainscough can recapture the form that saw him hailed as a future Test player after scoring 17 tries in his first 12 professional appearances.

But he is refusing to hark back to past glories.

“That’s in the past now. It’s all about what I do next,” added Ainscough.

“It’s a clean slate for everyone and you have to impress the new coach.”

* Three Bulls players have been included in England Youth’s 39-man squad for 2011, which will play Test matches against France and Wales.

Josh Casey, Alex Mellor and Curtis Naughton have been included in the squad, which is drawn from the cream of England’s scholarship talent.