EX-SUPERMARINE defender Carl McHugh could complete a remarkable personal journey when Bradford take on Swansea in the Capital One Cup final at Wembley this weekend.

McHugh, who arrived at the Webb’s Wood Stadium as an 18-year-old in March 2011 on a work experience loan, will tomorrow hope to be involved for the Bantams against the top-flight giants.

The Donegal-born centre-back played seven games in his spell at Supermarine while with parent club Reading, scoring two goals in the process.

Last summer he was released by the Berkshire club but has found a new lease of life at Bradford, playing his part in League Two and starring in a cup campaign has seen his side dump out Wigan, Arsenal and Aston Villa.

McHugh has not started for Bradford since the meeting with Fleetwood on February 2 but as a cup regular this term, will hope that boss Phil Parkinson will select him at centre-back tomorrow.

“This season has been crazy but great for me,” said McHugh, who won the Football League’s Young Player of the Month Award for January.

“I am really enjoying it. When I came here in the summer, I just wanted a chance to play football somewhere. I needed to reignite my career after what happened last year.

“Being released by Reading, you do have your doubts and think about what the future will bring. But I wanted to work hard and hope that things went well.

“There were times this season when I wasn’t playing, just playing in the reserves, but the gaffer told me to work hard and wait for my chance.

“The gaffer gave me that chance and I have taken it. But now I want to kick on.”