MODEST Josh Cullen has played down his reputation as City's talisman by insisting: "It's not just down to me."

The West Ham midfielder hopes to make it four wins on the bounce this afternoon since his return to Valley Parade.

His 100 per cent start has maintained a remarkable record from 20 City appearances, with 13 wins and only four defeats.

The Bantams are averaging over two points a game when Cullen is in the team – title-winning form when extended over a full season.

Cullen said: "It's a good percentage but I don't think it's just down to me, by any means.

"It's about the whole group and staff and everyone pulling together. But hopefully we can keep increasing that win record to get enough points to get ourselves promoted.

"It always makes it easier as a player when you're winning. There's a different feel round the training ground, confidence is high and there's a really positive vibe looking forward to the next game."

Unfortunately, Cullen will miss next week's trip to Millwall – the last opponents he lost to in City colours in the play-offs.

He will be away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad for their opening Euro qualifiers against Slovenia in Waterford on Friday and then Serbia in Novi Sad four days later.

So Cullen will be extra determined to sign off with another three points at home to Oldham this afternoon before he flies out.

He said: "It's been great since I came back. The team are playing well and everyone has helped me settle in again.

"Obviously there are always changes. You've got different management now, so the training will be different and there are new players around the squad.

"But there are still some familiar faces that I got quite close to last year and built up friendships with, so you adapt to it.

"Teams probably didn't know much about how we were going to play or what sort of squad we had.

"But I could see the quality from the first couple of training sessions back here and we were confident from day one.

"When you've got good players, sometimes it doesn't take long to click. That's testament to the lads."

With Romain Vincelot still on back-four duty, Cullen has been the senior partner in central midfield up to now alongside rookie Danny Devine. He has been hugely impressed with the teenager.

"The saying goes with young players that if they're good enough they are old enough and Danny has been fantastic," said Cullen.

"You try to help him along through the game but at the same time, he's good enough to do that himself and can help those around him.

"It's great for Danny to have that confidence from coming through the academy and stepping into the team and playing well. I'm sure he'll continue to do that."

City fans have also noticed a more attack-minded Cullen this season as Stuart McCall encourages him to push into the opposition box. It paid off with his first senior goal at MK Dons.

Cullen said: "The gaffer has given me licence to get forward. Playing with Nicky (Law) and Danny in there, we know our jobs defensively and we've got the freedom to express ourselves when we get the ball.

"I'm enjoying it and hopefully I can chip in with a few more. The first goal was a special moment. It pinged back to me and I managed to stick my leg out. I'll take that one and hopefully it's the first of a few."