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      Brenden Aaronson so at home at Leeds after getting engaged to high-school sweetheart and winning over doubters

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      YORKSHIRE will forever have a special place in Brenden Aaronson’s heart.Not only is he enjoying the best season of his career with Leeds but it is the county where he got engaged to his high-school sweetheart Milana D’Ambra.Brenden Aaronson has enjoyed a redemption season with LeedsCredit: GettyThe American has been an ever-present for Daniel Farke’s Championship leadersCredit: PAAaronson has even found time to get engaged to partner Milana D’AmbraCredit: Instagram @baaronson7The USA international, 24, got down on one knee in the famous Harrogate park, The Stray, and the happy couple are due to “march up the aisle together” next year.He told SunSport: “It was so nerve-racking. It was the whole build-up to asking the question but thankfully she said, ‘Yes.’”Getting ready for the wedding will be more stressful than any game of football. “But Milana has helped me a ton in my life so it’s really great we’re getting married.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt is an exciting time for Aaronson and he hopes to make this season one to remember by helping to shoot Leeds back into the big time.And next year is set to be his greatest yet – playing in the top flight again then almost immediately after the nuptials across the pond he hopes to appear for USA at the World Cup on home soil.Top-of-the-table Leeds travel 36 miles south down the M1 on Monday to take on second-placed Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United.It’s a far cry from the 5,500 miles-plus journey and a six-hour time difference he negotiated when the two sides last met at Elland Road in October.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAaronson had played a full 90 minutes for USA in Mexico, playing at high altitude in Guadalajara, in a game that did not finish until just before 6am UK time on the Wednesday.Yet he remarkably started against the Blades on the Friday night in a 2-0 win.Leeds manager Daniel Farke gives his reaction to draw with Burnley And the midfielder has so far played in all 33 Championship games this season, which is testament to his remarkable stamina.He said: “It’s always tough with the national team, going all the way to the US and back, but I’ve done it for the last four and a half years playing club football in Europe so I’m used to it.”We played that game at high altitude in Mexico and it was so difficult.”Then that night I got on a private jet with a bunch of European-based Americans, flying either to London or Amsterdam.”It’s a good little system where all the clubs from Europe and the US football federation chip in to charter the planes to allow us to get back home a day earlier.”I got back for Thursday and was available to play Friday.”Afterwards I felt dead! But I knew if I could get through the game and play at my level then get through to the next week and have some days to relax and sleep I could do it.”And that’s what I’ve been doing all season. I’ve been able to keep confidence in what I’m doing.”World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, GibraltarAaronson has turned around fan opinion this season. Having played 36 games in the Premier League after joining from Red Bull Salzburg in May 2022 in a £24.7million deal, he activated a relegation-release loan clause to spend last season with Bundesliga club Union Berlin to anger supporters.And there was a hostile response on social media when it was announced Aaronson had decided to come back this season.He said: “It’s tough when you see people are doubting you but I stayed away from the internet and focussed on myself. “I’m a people pleaser and care about other people’s feelings. I like to make people happy and prove to them how good I am.”I learned from the Prem season when I was first here and when I came back I learned a ton on focusing on myself and believing in myself. “I’ve let myself work over the fans and continue being like that.”Aaronson has scored eight times this season for LeedsCredit: GettyAaronson – nicknamed the Metford Messi back home – bucked the trend in the small New Jersey town by taking up “soccer” while most of his friends were into baseball and American Football. While his younger brother Paxten, 21, also has become a professional footballer and got a senior USA cap to his name, currently on loan at Dutch club Utrecht from Eintracht FrankfurtAnd although he is half-decent at basketball, and has played Lacrosse, football has always been his passion.He grew up supporting Liverpool while idolising the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Philippe Coutinho. He also had a soft spot for Tottenham when Luka Modric was strutting his stuff in North London.Aaronson – whose dad Rusty is a football coach – progressed through the ranks of MLS side Philadelphia Union and has gone on to win 47 caps for his country.The 24-year-old has already earned 47 caps for the United StatesCredit: APThe Leeds star is so excited that the World Cup will be co-hosted by his homeland alongside Canada and Mexico – and has enjoyed working under new coach and former Chelsea, Tottenham and Southampton coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took over in September.He said: “I cannot speak highly enough about Poch. I’ve only had him for two camps now and each one I’ve learned new things.”The formation, the way he wants to play, suits me. That’s what I like about it. Learning new things.”Although Aaronson was not even born when the USA staged their last World Cup in 1994, he has read, watched and listened to many stories about that tournament.He said: “It’s crazy England didn’t even qualify for that one. Dad always tells me how amazing the vibe was.”It kickstarted soccer in America. It made everything boom a lot more. This one will make it even bigger. “We’ve got some great stadiums and the whole atmosphere is going to be amazing.”But Aaronson hopes his home nation does not repeat part of the opening ceremony of that tournament .. when Diana Ross famously shot at an open goal and missed!He laughed:”“We should definitely avoid that this time around!READ MORE SUN STORIES”But it’s hopefully going to be a great year for me – playing in the Premier League, getting married and playing at a home World Cup.”It’s going to be awesome.” More

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      All this week’s transfer exclusives from SunSport’s man in the know with England pair set to switch Premier League clubs

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      ALAN NIXON is Sunsport’s Boss of Goss. Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…Taylor Harwood-Bellis looks set to move on from Southampton in the summerCredit: AlamySAINT EASY SOUTHAMPTON pair Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Aaron Ramsdale are in line for Premier League rescue moves.England cap Harwood-Bellis is fancied by West Ham and could escape from the drop at the end of this season as Saints head back to the Championship.The centre-half, 23, has just changed agent and will be up for a move after signing from Manchester City last year.Classy Harwood-Bellis would cost about £15million and the Hammers are in the market for new faces at the back. Three Lions keeper Ramsdale, 26,  is another who should beat Saints’  slide into the second tier – with his former club Bournemouth on alert.Rambo impressed at Cherries and Sheffield United before his surprise move to Arsenal in 2021.He jumped at a switch to Saints to play but will not fancy the Championship.Bournemouth have goalkeeper Kepa, 30, on loan from Chelsea but should be in the market for a new No 1 and Ramsdale still has fans within the club.ANFIELD ROADLewis Koumas is being eyed by Crystal Palace for a summer swoopCredit: AlamyLIVERPOOL babe Lewis Koumas has joined fellow Red Ben Doak on  Crystal Palace’s wanted list.The Eagles are looking at a handful of new faces in a busy summer and Welsh international Koumas, 19, is on their radar.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKoumas, currently impressing on loan at Stoke, could be ready for the step up to the Premier League next season.Palace are already jostling with Bournemouth for Scottish winger Doak, also 19, and considering a big offer for him.But Koumas could also be brought in after catching the eye in the second tier. Aaron Ramsdale COMPLETES £25m Southampton transfer as England goalkeeper’s Arsenal career comes to an endNEY BOTHERWATFORD head the race to sign young Colombian strike sensation Neyser Villarreal.The Hornets hope to agree a £5million deal with the 19-year-old’s club Millionarios.Villarreal shone for his country in the recent Under- 20 championship in South America, scoring a hat-trick against Paraguay.Watford want to move quickly as Palmeiras are also tracking him.MARC’D MANMarcus Edwards is a summer target for Sunderland – if they reach the PremCredit: ReutersSUNDERLAND are watching how Marcus Edwards does at Burnley – in case they have a second stab at signing him.The winger, 26, joined the Clarets on loan from Sporting Lisbon in the January window but they only just beat the Black Cats to his signature.But if Sunderland make the Premier League and Burnley fail, they will be back in again.WHICH Championship manager is fuming with his director of football after hearing he had been bidding for players the boss knew nothing about?The experienced coach was stunned to discover some of the targets the club had in the last window.Most were ones he had never been consulted on and fortunately did not sign — but the damage is done between the manager and transfer guru.IN DEMANDInigo Perez is being eyed by Premier League clubsCredit: GettyINIGO PEREZ, the talk of Spain, is ready to come to England at the second attempt.The Rayo Vallecano coach, 37, has been superb this season — and Prem clubs are watching.Perez missed out on a move to Bournemouth because of post-Brexit rules which stopped him from joining boss Andoni Iraola.Now he is a coach in his own right and would qualify.HARD PRESTTHE FA will face a chunky bill for fitting new VAR cameras at Preston’s fifth-round tie against Burnley on Saturday.North End – bossed by Paul Heckingbottom – have never used the system so the FA must find a way of installing all of the tech needed.ROVERS RETURNBLACKBURN are after a new gaffer  — but their pay deal is putting many off.Rovers are offering about £600,000-per-year plus bonuses but it is not attracting targets like Steve Cooper and Gary O’Neil.There is a potential promotion jackpot too but the deal is not attractive to some, even if they are out of work.Meanwhile, Blackburn technical director Adam Owen, 44,  has been taking a bigger part in team affairs behind the scenes.Owen will work closely with the next coach and that boosts interim David Lowe’s chances of staying in charge. More

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      England’s best goalkeeper stands at 6ft 6in but reveals grandfather wanted him to be a JOCKEY

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      JAMES TRAFFORD has emerged as one of the best young goalkeepers in England.However, his grandfather wanted him to take a different path.James Trafford has revealed his grandfather wanted him to become a jockeyCredit: GettyThe 22-year-old, who is one of the most talked-about players in the EFL right now, was raised on a North Cumbrian family-run farm in the Lake District.Having also worked on the farm growing up, his duties included lambing and mucking out.His grandfather, Bill, wanted him to stay in the farming business if he did not go on to become a professional sportsman.But he was happy to make an exception if Trafford wanted to become a jockey.Read More in FootballTrafford told SunSport: “Grandpa Bill, god bless his soul. I have two cousins then my sister and I. “Grandpa always said, ‘he has to be a farmer’ but he really wanted one of us to be a jockey — but we were all too tall!”The Burnley star neglected the racing route and instead pursued a career in football.He signed for Manchester City at the age of 12 in 2015 and went on to spend eight years with the club before joining Burnley, where he established himself as a regular first team starter.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTrafford has since made 60 appearances for the Clarets and is currently enjoying an incredible run of form.The ex-City star has only let in NINE goals all season, keeping 23 clean sheets. Video emerges of Cole Palmer losing his mind over England starlet James Trafford after Newcastle ‘agree personal terms’Trafford has not conceded a goal in 1000 minutes and is aiming to record his 12th successive shutout when Burnley face Sheffield Wednesday on Friday evening.Despite his growing reputation as one of Europe’s finest talents, with a host of Premier League clubs hoping to snap him up, the youngster still loves getting his hands dirty on the farm.He said: “I enjoy it. I do it to spend more time with dad because I always go out for lunch with my mum when I go home and he’s always working.”When I was with dad last month, I was bedding up all the sheep and putting hay out for the ones outside.”We’ve always done that. I remember as a kid on the tractor where he’d sit on the seat and I’d be on the arm-rest, and our dog would be down there.” More

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      ‘When we go down…oh God’ – Red-faced Plymouth owner accidentally admits club are getting relegated with 15 games left

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE owner Simon Hallett made a “Freudian slip” during last night’s fans’ forum by inadvertently admitting that his club are getting relegated.Chairman Hallett took questions from supporters alongside Argyle CEO Andrew Parkinson.Plymouth Argyle owner Simon Hallett spoke at a fans’ forum last nightCredit: YouTube/Plymouth ArgyleArgyle drew 1-1 at Luton on Wednesday nightCredit: ReutersDuring the event, Hallett and Parkinson were asked about the club spending money on infrastructure, “rather than the playing squad”.Parkinson revealed that increased revenue generated via improved infrastructure is used to fund the playing squad – pointing to the fact that the club’s wage expenditure has gone up from around £2.5million annually 4-5 years ago to being “just under £15million” now.After building on his colleague’s point, Hallett then made an unfortunate slip of the tongue.”It’s generating revenues that can go into the football squad for many, many years,” the Argyle owner said.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”This is why when we go down to League One… if we go down to League One – oh God.”Host Charlie Price interjected calling Hallett’s gaffe a “Freudian slip”, before the chairman added: “Oh God… get it right. If we go down to League One, we will be one of the strongest clubs in League One, financially.”The last time we got promoted from League One we were in the middle of the pack.”Suggesting inevitable relegation again, Hallett added: “When we go back we’ll be at the top.”Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Pilgrims sacked Wayne Rooney on New Year’s EveCredit: GettyArgyle have had four permanent managers in the last 15 months.League One title-winner Steven Schumacher left for Stoke City in December 2023, with the Pilgrims opting for former England youth coach Ian Foster as his successor.Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the DayFoster was sacked after just three months at the helm, with Wayne Rooney eventually appointed as his successor.After a promising start Rooney’s tenure soured, with the Manchester United legend sacked on New Year’s Eve as Argyle sat bottom of the Championship.Argyle subsequently pivoted to new boss Miron Muslic, who guided them to a famous FA Cup victory over Liverpool earlier this month.The Pilgrims opted for a style change in Muslic, who favours a direct style of football, rather than reappointing title-winner Schumacher.’WE WERE SO BAD’On the decision, Hallett said: “Clearly Steven was in consideration during the process that Andrew described.”At the end of the day we decided, among the people on the shortlist, which is not to say that Steven was on the shortlist at all, we ended up going with Miron because we felt we had to do something different.”Coming with any manager, not just Steven, with a similar style to what we had… we were so bad both in attack and defence, that trying to do the same thing but a bit better would be inadequate to increase the probability of survival.”So one of the attractions of Miron was that he was very different. I mean all the other attractions are obvious.”The guy is a fantastic communicator, he’s a wonderful human being, he has that emotional intelligence to be able to deal very well with the players, they all love his clarity of thinking, his ability to communicate, all of that stuff is fantastic.”But in some ways, the core issue is that we were trying something different.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArgyle drew 1-1 with bottom side Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Wednesday night.They are 23rd in the Championship table with 15 games remaining.Argyle opted against bringing back Steven SchumacherCredit: RexMiron Muslic was appointed Argyle manager last monthCredit: PA More

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      England’s best keeper grew up helping lambs give birth and spent summer working on FARM – now he’s set for Prem transfer

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      JAMES TRAFFORD has always been good with his hands.Right now they are the most talked about in football, with the Burnley keeper, 22, having not conceded for ONE THOUSAND minutes.James Trafford is currently the most talked about EFL playerCredit: INSTAGRAM @burnleyofficial and @eflTrafford has conceded just nine goals all season, keeping 23 clean sheetsCredit: GettyThe 22-year-old grew up with his family in CumbriaCredit: CollectTrafford was raised and worked on a North Cumbrian family-run farmCredit: CollectThe Burnley stopper – who was at Man City’s academy – spoke exclusively to SunSportCredit: CollectAnd he has only let in NINE goals all season, keeping 23 clean sheets.And tonight, as Burnley host  Sheffield Wednesday, Trafford — the Sky Bet Championship player of the month for January — is aiming for an incredible 12th successive shutout.But those safe hands have been put to other uses — such as being shoved up the backside of sheep or mixing manure  with lime!Trafford was raised and worked on a North Cumbrian family-run farm in the Lake District, where his duties included lambing and mucking out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he grimaced as he told SunSport: “The first time I did lambing was aged 11. I had to put my hand up them and pull. “That was far too disgusting and, although it was cool to have experienced that, it wasn’t the best thing.“I also had to muck out. We mixed manure with lime to get the right soil pH acidity. And being in the slurry pit was horrible — the stench. “Only last summer I was helping wrap fleeces and clipping sheep.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTrafford — brought up in Cockermouth, where England Test captain Ben Stokes lived during his teens — was even driving tractors on the farm years before he had a driving license.He laughed: “About 14 or 15, way before I was allowed on the roads.” Video emerges of Cole Palmer losing his mind over England starlet James Trafford after Newcastle ‘agree personal terms’Despite his growing reputation as one of Europe’s finest goalkeeping talents, with a host of Premier League clubs hoping to snap him up, the youngster still loves getting his hands dirty on the farm.He said: “I enjoy it. I do it to spend more time with dad because I always go out for lunch with my mum when I go home and he’s always working.“When I was with dad last month, I was bedding up all the sheep and putting hay out for the ones outside.“We’ve always done that. I remember as a kid on the tractor where he’d sit on the seat and I’d be on the arm-rest, and our dog would be down there.”Trafford revealed that, had his grandfather had his way, he would have been a JOCKEY.The 6ft 6in keeper said: “Grandpa Bill, god bless his soul. I have two cousins then my sister and I.  “Grandpa always said, ‘He has to be a farmer’ but he really wanted one of us to be a jockey — but we were all too tall!”Trafford’s dad James Sr has learned to love football for his sonCredit: CollectTrafford told SunSport that he was ‘helping wrap fleeces and clipping sheep’ last summerCredit: CollectTrafford, pictured with sister Charlotte, says his grandfather wanted him to be a jockeyCredit: CollectHis dad James Sr was never a football expert but has been learning through watching YouTube videos and going to his son’s games.Trafford said: “He’s even using  football terminology now and I’m thinking, ‘You haven’t thought about this, you’ve just listened to it and repeating it’. “But dad loves it for me. As long as I’m happy, he’s happy.”Trafford developed a strong work ethic from his years on the farm that stood him in good stead as he progressed through Manchester City’s academy after being signed from Carlisle aged 12.And he went on to play on loan at Accrington Stanley and Bolton, where he won the EFL Trophy by beating Plymouth at Wembley in 2023, before going on to play in the Prem last season after Burnley signed him in a £19million deal.Chelsea and England star Cole Palmer had seen so much of Trafford’s heroics as team-mates growing up at City that he was videoed on the touchline predicting his old friend would save Spain’s late stoppage-time penalty in the Euro Under-21s final in Georgia two years ago.Not only did he dive to his right to keep out Abel Ruiz’s spot-kick, he made an incredible reflex stop from Aimar Oroz’s follow-up.Trafford burst on to the scene after saving Spain’s late stoppage-time penalty in the Euro Under-21s final two years agoCredit: GettyCole Palmer had predicted that Trafford would win the game for EnglandCredit: GettyThat save saw the Young Lions win the trophy — and he became the first keeper in the competition’s history to go through an entire tournament without conceding a goal.And in his recent incredible run, he made TWO late penalty saves in last month’s  goalless draw against Sunderland at Turf Moor.Asked if the double penalty heroics at Turf Moor were among he finest, he said: “All the noise around those saves has been great but there are other things  since  that have brought me more enjoyment. Anyone can save a penalty.”Trafford — who looks set for a summer move to Newcastle — was named in the most recent England squad that faced Ireland and Greece in the Nations League in November.That was after he was in the provisional Euro 2024 squad but was cut from the final party.His call-up came after he was axed by then-Clarets manager Vincent Kompany — but Trafford reckons that made him stronger.He said: “I got taken out the team and it was hard to deal with.“Then I knew I was going away with the national team, I was excited.“When I came back  this season, it was my aim to get into the England squad even though I was in the Championship.”Trafford saved two penalties from Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor last monthCredit: RexThe boyhood Chelsea fan was delighted the FA appointed ex-Blues boss Thomas Tuchel.He said: “He’s a brilliant manager who has won numerous things and got a massive reputation.“He will be the best man to win us the World Cup in 2026.”Former NFL star JJ Watt, at the start of this incredible run, vowed to come out of retirement and play for Trafford’s favourite team, the  Cincinnati Bengals, if he does not concede another goal this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere are 13 games left and Trafford said: “When it gets down to single digits he should start worrying!”If he achieves another 13 clean sheets, you can bet Trafford will  continue talking about this season until the cows come home!Trafford progressed through ManCity’s academy after being signed from Carlisle aged 12Credit: Collect More

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      James Trafford on course to complete Newcastle transfer in summer 12 months after move collapsed

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      JAMES TRAFFORD is on course to become a Newcastle United player – whether Burnley are promoted or not.The goalkeeper, 22, has been in incredible form for the high-flying Clarets and has not conceded for over 1,000 minutes.James Trafford seems certain to return to the Prem next seasonCredit: ReutersThe England U21 international had agreed to move to St James’ for £16m last summer before the deal collapsed.Manchester City have a buy-back clause as part of the package that took him to Turf Moor in 2023 which states they can re-sign for a £40m-plus fee.But Newcastle are not believed to have any concerns about that and are confident they can get the transfer over the line this summer.Trafford, who has just two years left on his contract, also has his heart set on the move.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis performances have been closely monitored by the Premier League side’s scouts for over the past year.And his ball-playing ability as well as his shotstopping talents have made him a stand-out choice to be Toon’s new No1.Trafford, for now, will be hoping to extend his 11-game clean sheet run on Friday night when third-placed Burnley host Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.Meanwhile, Newcastle are still determined to hold onto Arsenal target Alexander Isak.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLiverpool and Chelsea are also thought to be monitoring the Swedish striker.But the Magpies want around £165million for the Swede – twice what the Gunners would have hoped to pay.Eddie Howe determined to end Newcastle’s trophy drought in Carabao Cup final Newcastle have the 25-year-old on a contract, believed to be £130,000 a week, until 2028.Toon chief Eddie Howe has said: “We of course love him and are desperate for him to stay at Newcastle for many years.” More

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      Ex-Arsenal star, 47, targets Blackburn job with talks set to take place within days

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      LUIS BOA MORTE would be interested in the vacant Blackburn job.Championship outfit Rovers are looking for a new boss after John Eustace jumped ship for relegation-threatened Derby last week.Luis Boa Morte is keen on the Blackburn jobCredit: GettyGeorge Boateng is also in the runningCredit: GettySunSport understands former Arsenal, Southampton, Fulham and West Ham midfielder Boa Morte, 47, is set to hold talks with Ewood Park chiefs  in the coming days.Boa Morte has been in charge of the Guinea-Bissau national team since March, following a three-year stint as Marco Silva’s No 2 at Fulham.But the ex-Portugal international would be swayed by the Rovers gig.Former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng, 49, is also in the running.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has only one other managerial job – Kelantan in Malaysia – but has held various coaching roles across English football.Boateng previously coached in the Blackburn youth setup, taking charge of their under-13s in 2018.He left Coventry City last year after the arrival of Frank Lampard to the Sky Blues after spells coaching the Ghana national team and Villa.Blackburn currently sit fifth in the Championship and are hopeful of a play-off place.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey beat Plymouth 2-0 on Saturday with David Lowe, 59, in interim charge.Former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil is the current bookies favourite to get the job.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers More

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      Birmingham star Jay Stansfield stretchered off in worrying scenes during Bradford clash

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      BIRMINGHAM’S Jay Stansfield was carried off on a stretcher in worrying scenes against Bradford.The 27,066 crowd chanted the £10million striker’s name in support as he left the field during Brum’s dramatic 2-1 EFL Trophy semi-final win.Jay Stansfield was taken off during the second halfCredit: RexThe frontman was in obvious pain after being groundedCredit: PAStansfield went down under a challenge from Romoney CrichlowCredit: PAThe former England U-21 ace immediately called for helpCredit: REXTom Brady’s Birmingham will now face Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham or Peterborough at Wembley – but there was concern over Stansfield.The ex-Fulham starlet, 22, appeared to land awkwardly on his foot and needed several minutes of treatment before being lifted away.Stansfield had gone down under a challenge from Bantams defender Romoney Crichlow at St Andrew’s.He looked in severe pain as he grimaced and stayed on the floor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was soon obvious he could not continue, with players from both sides anxious over his condition.Alfie May came off the bench on the hour-mark to replace him.It was Stansfield who had fired the League One leaders in front brilliantly in first-half stoppage time.And it was a major talking point among fans when he went over in the box soon after the break, with no foul being awarded. Most read in FootballBobby Pointon promptly levelled at the other end for League Two promotion hunters Bradford.Lyndon Dykes headed Birmingham’s clincher late on – before 13 MINUTES of time added on, mainly for Stansfield’s injury.And many fans initially focused more on the condition of the former England Under-21 star rather than the achievement of reaching a final. More