James is kindly sponsored by SHELF BANTAMS

Irish midfielder James O'Brien signed a three month deal with the club in August 2009.

O'Brien had been on trial with the club since the start of July, scoring in his first appearance for the club during the pre-season friendly with Burnley.

He was born in Dublin and raised in the Ballyfermot district of Ireland.

The youngster started his football career with Irish club Cherry Orchard, but moving to England in 2006 to start a scholarship with midlands club Birmingham City.

Following a successful scholarship, O'Brien signed a two year contract with Birmingham a year later.

O'Brien was a regular in the reserves set up at St Andrews during his two years at the club.

In the summer of 2009, O'Brien was released by Birmingham at the end of his contract, therefore allowing him to trial with the Bantams.

The midfielder has captained the Ireland under 16's and was awarded the eircom/FAI Under-16 International Player of the Year award for his outstanding performances during this time. O'Brien has also represented his country and under 17, 18 and 19 level.

O'Brien celebrated his first league start for the Bantams in style - breaking Bradford's four goal scoring drought after only two minutes to score his first ever and City's first goal of the season at Cheltenham in late August.

On 29th October 2009, O'Brien commited his long term future to the club by signing a new 18 month deal with the Bantams.

O'Brien scored his first ever goal at Valley Parade and became the Bantams first scorer of the new decade in the process, when he netting against Cheltenham on 2 January 2010.