Ingham and McCarey rivals for York City number one slot

So believed defensive sentinel David McGurk after he declared how impressed he was by loan signing Aaron McCarey after he kept a clean sheet against Rochdale at Bootham Crescent on his debut from Wolves.

As long-time first-choice shot-stopper Michael Ingham recovers from his hip flexor problem, McGurk predicted there could be a tasty battle for the senior goalkeeping gloves.

McCarey was drafted in after another City loan ’keeper, Nick Pope, was recalled by his parent club Charlton Athletic.

Said McGurk: “Aaron did well because it’s hard for him to come in after just one day’s training but he dominated when the crosses came in and, as long as the goalkeeper communicates, he does not even have to know your name really.

“It’s just down to simple shouts like ‘head away’ or ‘head back’ and then there are no problems – he can slot in fine.

“It was a bit of a blow to lose Nick (Pope) because he did well and looked a good asset. But, with Aaron and hopefully Inghy back for the next game, the gaffer will have a selection problem because there are two good ’keepers to choose from.

“I have been playing with Inghy for years so I know when he’s going to come for the ball and when he isn’t, but you can see that both the young ’keepers who have come in are from bigger clubs because they have settled in well.”

McGurk also reckons that talking has been a key factor behind the success of his new central-defensive partnership with loan signing Keith Lowe.

The pair were thrown together when Dan Parslow joined Chris Smith on the sidelines and McGurk added: “Pars and Smudge’s unfortunate injuries have given me and Keith the chance to forge a good understanding and it’s been a case of so far, so good.

“It’s again down to communication. I pretty much know what he’s going to do already and he seems to have all the attributes to be a top centre-half.

“I know when he’s going to come for the ball and I can see that when I go for the ball he will take up a great position behind me in terms of reading what might happen next.

“That gives me more confidence when I’m attacking the ball. Fingers crossed, we can keep that going until the lads come back so the gaffer does not need to bring anybody else in.”

In the absence of Smith and Parslow, McGurk has also been handed the skipper’s armband, which he has worn with distinction in past seasons.

But City’s longest-serving player insists he does not covet the role. Nor does it change his attitude on or off the pitch.

“It’s no big deal or something I aspire to be,” McGurk said of the City captaincy.

“It’s always good to have it and it’s brilliant if the gaffer wants me to take the team out because I enjoy that but, whether I am in the role or not, I am the same in the dressing room and on the pitch.”