The pain of Duane

Duane Courtney has spoken of his nightmare start with York City since arriving at Bootham Crescent in the summer.

The 25-year-old former Kidderminster Harriers defender is still to make his full debut for the Minstermen after missing most of pre-season with a knee injury.

He did appear as a late substitute against his former employers on the opening day of the season, but promptly conceded a late penalty from which his new club lost the match.

“It`s been a bit of a nightmare since I came here,” Courtney told The Press. “I love the club, the fans, the lads and the management, but it`s been tough because of my injury and then what happened against Kidderminster.

“I want to get fully fit and show the fans what I can do. I know the gaffer knows what I can do and now I want to prove how I can play because I know that when I get on the pitch I can do what I`ve been signed for.”

To achieve that objective, however, the Birmingham-born right-back is going to have to dislodge Daniel Parslow from the starting line-up following his shift across the back four from his usual central defensive role.

“Dan Parslow`s done very well and I take my hat off to him because I know he does not like to play there. He`s a centre-half but, defensively, he`s been strong,” he added.