LEV Yalcin is hoping to establish himself in York City's midfield engine-room next season.

The former Turkish youth international has been touted as a striker of great potential for the majority of his four years on the Minstermen books but now hopes his change in position during the second half of last season becomes a permanent one.

Yalcin, who signed a new contract at KitKat Crescent last month, started the last seven games of City's 2004/2005 campaign - his longest-ever run in the first team - in midfield.

And the Middlesbrough-born forward wants to stay there, saying: "I enjoy playing in midfield more than up front and hopefully I can establish myself in there again next season.

"I like the ball. I like getting it, creating things and scoring goals. I suppose I like being in the mix of things really."

Behind former manager Chris Brass, who has been told he can leave the club, Yalcin finds himself in the strange position of being the Minstermen's second longest-serving player at the age of 20.

He admits that the multiple changes to the playing staff over the last two years have been unsettling but believes new signings Matt Convery, Clayton Donaldson and Mark Hotte are being quickly integrated at KitKat Crescent.

Said Yalcin: "I think things took time to gel last season but this summer the gaffer is putting on good training sessions and the lads are bonding well early on."

Yalcin made his City debut back in September 2002 but, as he approaches the third anniversary of that occasion, he has still only managed 15 first-team starts.

Now, as a second-year professional, he is hoping to become a more regular first-team fixture, saying: "I had my ups and downs last season.

"It was hard not being in the team for long periods and I felt I should have got more chances earlier in the season but I spoke to the gaffer when he first came and he gave me the reasons why I wasn't in the side.

"I've worked hard on my training since he came and got a lot fitter and, towards the end of last season, I was playing regularly again and started enjoying my football more. It's been nice to be part of the first team.

"I got a bit more confident and I was wishing the season wasn't going to end because I would have got a few more games under my belt. I'm still a young lad but there's been some good times and bad times at the club.

"I just want to do well for myself and the team and, hopefully, the good times will come back and we can start pushing to get back in the League."

Over the last 12 months, Yalcin has been linked with moves to Turkey and Belgium, as well as going on trial at Football League clubs Yeovil and Darlington but he admits that he had little hesitation in agreeing new terms with City.

He said: "I just want to get my head down at York, play as many games as I can, do well for the team, work hard, score a few more goals and, hopefully, in the future, if I progress and do well, I will move on. When you see the transfer-list now, there are some big names on it that have been released."

McEwan is the fourth manger Yalcin has played under in three years after Terry Dolan, Chris Brass and Viv Busby and he has, so far, been impressed by his latest mentor, saying: "He's direct in what he does.

"He tells you what you need to be working on and helps you whether it's stuff like more ball-work or fitness. I feel we will do well with him next season."

Updated: 09:11 Saturday, July 16, 2005