CIARAN Kelly faces an ankle operation today that will rule him out for at least the next couple of months.

The Irishman will go under the knife to repair the damage he suffered 10 days ago against Walsall.

City initially hoped that it was just a twisted ankle but the severity of the injury became clear in last week’s scan.

Graham Alexander revealed that it was a repeat of a problem Kelly had just before joining City at the end of 2022.

“It’s difficult news for Ciaran,” said the City boss. “He’s going to be out for a little while.

“He damaged the ankle in a challenge at Walsall and it was an ankle he injured in his last ever game in Ireland.

“It’s a recurrence of something he had when he first came to Bradford.

“He’s obviously a strong lad and works exceptionally hard. But unfortunately, the challenge has re-injured that same ankle.

“He’s having surgery so he will be out for a couple of months at least.”

Kelly has been a regular figure in Alexander’s defence since the manager came in 10 months ago.

He started 29 games under him last season and began the new campaign as first-choice on the left of the back three.

Alexander added: “It’s a blow for Ciaran and for us because he’s one of our consistent performers. He’s played a lot of games for us.

“He had a difficult start to the season but we thought the last couple of games he’s been back to what we expect from Ciaran.

“He’s done remarkably well to play for the 15-20 minutes after the injury, to be honest, considering what he’s done to the ankle.

“That just shows he’s a lad of good character.

“But it was the right thing for him to come off at half-time. He definitely couldn’t have continued.

“When we’ve seen the scan, we’re amazed he got through that period at all.”

Jack Shepherd has stepped up to fill the gap in the left-sided role and Alexander has been delighted with the way the Barnsley defender has slotted in with fellow loanee Cheick Diabate.

“We hate to see any player injured. We know how much they work hard and love playing football for Bradford.

Jack Shepherd has stepped in as left-sided centre halfJack Shepherd has stepped in as left-sided centre half (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“When they miss out, it is a blow for us all. But it’s always an opportunity for people if they are ready.

“If you look at Cheick and Jack especially, they’ve come in on loan.

“They’ve sat on the bench behind the three contracted centre halves who started the season. Then, all of a sudden, they are thrust into the team and played really well.

“It was difficult against Walsall because there was a lot of changing in the team with the injuries at different times.

“But the two games since, going to a back four with Jack and Cheick, I think they’ve been superb. They’ve been consistent and assured.

“There’s still work to do and we spoke to them yesterday about little bits and pieces. But we’re absolutely delighted with how they’ve responded to the defeat at Walsall with two clean sheets.

“It’s not just down to those two guys but without them being so consistent, I think it would have been difficult for us to do that.”