YORK City stalwart Wayne Hall is ready to run and run for the Minstermen cause, writes Dave Stanford.

A crowd of 3,150 fans paid tribute to the seasoned campaigner at Bootham Crescent last night, when Premiership giants Middlesbrough enjoyed a 2-1 victory over City in Hall's testimonial match.

Hall, captain for the night, said he was delighted with the turnout coming so soon after City's high-profile clash with Manchester United on Saturday.

And he revealed a hunger to be around the Bootham Crescent scene for a good while longer yet.

"I will persevere as long as I can. Touch wood, I am still very fit and as long as my legs keep taking me I'll keep playing. I am only 31," he said.

"It was a great night. My family and friends were here to share it with me so I am very pleased."

Manager Terry Dolan has already indicated he is likely to offer Hall a one-year extension to his current three month contract after working his way back to fitness from a heel operation earlier this year.

Now, having fought off all comers to his favoured left-back spot since the start of the 1990s, Hall has vowed to do his utmost to reclaim his first team berth following the arrival of Graham Potter in the summer.

"I will be giving it my best shot," said Hall.

"The gaffer has brought Graham in and may start the season with him and all the best to Graham. "But it's up to me to keep myself fit and if I am needed I will be there, ready and willing.

"The gaffer saw me play against Marske and I have played a couple of halves as well and he has watched me in training so it is down to me to prove to him what I can do."

Hall said the troublesome heel which prevented him from playing under Dolan last season had cleared up fully.

"I have got through pre-season without feeling it all so I am very happy about that," he said.

City's new 3-5-2 formation, which will likely see him operating in a more advanced wing-back role if called upon, certainly suits Hall's attacking instincts as a one-time winger.

"I have played it a few times but I will play anywhere - as long as I am playing I will give it my all and if the ball comes to me I will try and put the ball in telling areas which the attackers want," he said.

Prior to kick-off, Hall was given a guard of honour by the Middlesbrough team and his City team mates on to the pitch flanked by his children, Ryan, Josh and daughter Millie.

Bryan Robson has admitted that Christian Ziege is torn between staying at Middlesbrough and sealing a move to Liverpool.

Boro boss Robson is still awaiting a decision from the Germany defender, who was absent from the Boro side last night, after Gerard Houllier tabled a £5.5million bid for him earlier last week.