Danny Devine is hoping to build on his impressive first league start for Carlisle United – as he prepares to return to his former club.

The midfielder was named man of the match after a positive display in the Blues’ 2-1 win over Salford City.

Now Devine has the chance to get one over on home-city club Bradford City, where the 23-year-old spent nine years before his summer move to Cumbria.

Blues boss Chris Beech described his performance on Wednesday as a “Rolls Royce” display and Devine said: “That’s my first league start but hopefully now I can kick on, keep playing and help the team when I am.

“I wouldn’t mind starting again against Bradford on Saturday! It will be strange for me to be in the stadium but not be playing for the home team.

“It’s one I’m looking forward to and hopefully we can get a good result.

“It’s just another game. It was my last club but it’s just another game.”

Bradford-born Devine made 53 appearances for the Bantams after joining them at under-13 level.

Wednesday night, meanwhile, ended his wait for a league start for his new club as Beech promoted Devine at the expense of another former Bradford man, Joe Riley.

Devine has had to be patient for his opportunity but positive outings in the Papa John’s Trophy and in reserve games impressed Beech.

“It doesn’t matter what game it is, when you get the opportunity to play you know the gaffer is always watching so it’s a chance to show him what you can do, and that’s what I’ve done in the last couple of games I’ve played, thankfully,” the midfielder said after helping United go fifth in League Two.

“All you can do when you get the nod to play is show everyone that you’re ready. You’ve just got to give it your all and do your best for the team.

“The lads have been playing well so all I’ve been able to do is bide my time and make sure I take my chance when I got it.

“You’ve just got to support the lads if you’re on the bench and do what you can when you get on.

“It’s been hard to not play much, but we’ve been playing well so you can’t really complain when the boys have been performing like they have been.”

News and Star: Devine spent nine years with home-city club Bradford (photo: PA)Devine spent nine years with home-city club Bradford (photo: PA)

Devine said he relished Wednesday’s experience as United got the better of Richie Wellens’ big-spending Salford.

“I enjoyed every minute of it and I just loved being out there,” he said.

“I knew I just had to play my game and keep it simple. I know if I just play the simple passes and don’t try to overcomplicate things then I can put in a good performance and help the team.

“I do want to improve on my goal scoring because I did have a couple of half chances. Hopefully I can get a few goals like Jon [Mellish] has…”

Devine’s call-up, after three Trophy starts and four league sub appearances, coincided with the return of 2,000 supporters to Brunton Park under Tier 2 Covid-19 rules.

The midfielder said it was special to share a good performance and win with some of the Blues’ faithful at last.

“That’s what it’s all about,” he said.

“It’s been hard for them not being able to come to the games so it was really nice to have them back and be able to get the three points for them.

“It was really nice to hear them inside the stadium and it really felt like they played their part in helping us get the three points.

“They kept us going all the way to the end even though we conceded the goal. They made sure they got us over the line.”

Although United overcame one of their near rivals at the right end of League Two on Wednesday, Devine says they must not rest on their laurels.

This weekend sees them take on an out-of-sorts Bantams side who sit third bottom in the table.

Devine added: “The boys have been at it all season. We’ve just got to keep doing what we’re good at and what we know we can do. If we do that I’m sure we can beat anyone in this league.

“We’ve just got to keep ourselves grounded and take each game as it comes. We won’t get ahead of ourselves, we’re only at the start of December and there’s still a lot of football to be played between now and the end of the season.

“We’ve done well until now but nothing is won at this stage of the season so we can’t take our foot off the gas. We’ve got to keep going and be up there come the end of the season.”

And on tomorrow’s trip to Valley Parade – which will be closed to fans, as Bradford is in Tier 3 – he added: “It doesn’t matter where teams are in the table, no games in this league are easy.

“Bradford are down there at the moment but we know they’re still a good team and we need to be on our game to beat them.”

Devine's chances of another start tomorrow are increased by the absence of another ex-Bradford midfielder, Callum Guy.

He has picked up five bookings and will be suspended, while he is also having an injury assessed.