RANKIN STAYS FOR ANOTHER MONTH

The 21-year-old striker, has been with The Blues for the last two months and his brace against Barnsley on Saturday brought his tally in the loan spell to four goals in nine full appearances.

The decision will be seen as a surprise as The Bantams have been struggling in front of goal this season, and it was thought that Paul Jewell might want to bring the man he signed, from Arsenal for £1.3 million two years ago, back to Valley Parade to add some firepower to the mix.

Rankin is happy to stay at the First Division club for a little longer though, saying: "My loan period will run out with four games and the play-offs still remaining, but in that time I hope to do as much as I can to fire the Blues towards the Premiership."

Trevor Francis is understandably delighted to retain the services of the quicksilver striker, adding: "Isaiah has been our most successful loan player this season and his overall contribution to the team has been very good."

Ciaran Baynes