Manager Martin Gray has confirmed that recent signing Sean McAllister goes straight into the side for the weekend FA Trophy tie at Kidderminster Harriers.
However, former skipper Simon Heslop definitely won’t be involved having this week returned from a month’s loan at National League Eastleigh.
Indeed Gray has already filled the void caused by Heslop’s refusal to play for the club by bringing both McAllister [Grimsby Town] and Alex Pattison [Middlesbrough] on loan to Bootham Crescent.
“It improves competition for places,” he told BBC Radio York. “You want experience in the group, certainly when you’re challenging to make sure you’re in the play-offs come the end of the season. I think it’s important you bring the players in with the right mentality that are brave on the ball and also can play under that sort of pressure as well.”
Regarding highly-rated youngster Pattison, Gray continued: “Again a very attacking-minded person. He’s got great ability and come through a great upbringing [at Middlesbrough]. I think he was really on the verge of breaking through before he got himself an injury five or six months ago.
“He’s got a bit about him. I know him quite well and is someone that will hopefully give us that little bit extra of what we’re looking for,” he added. “He needs a challenge and to come here and show how good he is to push his career on.”
But there certainly won’t be any way back into favour for York-born schemer Heslop, who is actually ineligible for the weekend visit to Aggborough Stadium, although he wouldn’t have been considered anyway.
“He’s back but not available for selection this weekend,” Gray confirmed. “I’ll just make that clear – the [FA] ruling is that he’s not eligible to play this weekend for York City. He’s back with us and we’re looking to get him back out on loan.
“He will not be part of the club’s plans at all,” he insisted. “I’ve made that quite clear and there’s no change in that. He’s spoken quite clearly that he doesn’t want to play for York and he won’t play for York City.”
Video Link: York City FC
Audio Link: BBC Radio York
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