Gary Bowyer was delighted to be able to welcome Jake Reeves back into the Bantams’ starting 11, following a 2-1 defeat to Rochdale.
City concluded their Leasing.com Trophy campaign at home to Dale, with Reeves making his first appearance in claret and amber in almost two years.
Bowyer was buoyed by the performance of the midfielder who he also named as his captain - on the evening.
The Bantams boss said: "The main thing was the magnificent performance of Jake Reeves.
"You would not believe he has been out for as long as he has, based on that performance.
"I cannot speak highly enough of the lad and had no hesitation in giving him the captain’s armband.
"He is a great person to have around the place with how he goes about his business and really is captain material.
"We will pick his recovery up - step by step - after this game and see how he progresses.
"He showed some great touches and is going to be a welcome addition with all the injuries we have, at the moment."
Despite defeat to Sky Bet League One opposition, Bowyer took positives from the tie and believes his side were unlucky to have not won.
The City chief added: "It was a thoroughly entertaining football match. There were two good teams playing the game in the right way.
"There were a lot of positives to take such as Tyler French scoring his first career goal and Jake Reeves returning with a great performance.
"The passage of play leading up to the penalty was fantastic. We were unfortunate to have missed that because a 2-0 lead would have put a different slant on the game.
"The intensity, hard work and effort to meet the demands of the game were there for all to see.
"There were a lot of positive aspects to take from the game and we felt disappointed to have not won."
Bowyer’s Bantams are next back in action on Tuesday November 19, in an Emirates FA Cup replay at home to Shrewsbury Town (7.45pm).