YORK City winger Michael Coulson is targeting more starts in the New Year following a testing 2013.

The 25-year-old attacker is in contention for a place in City’s starting XI during tomorrow’s home match with Morecambe (3pm) having ended his 23-game run without a goal with the visitors’ consolation in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Bury.

That game represented Coulson’s ninth outing as a substitute this term and he has only started two senior matches over the last 12 months.

The former Grimsby and Barnsley flank man was even overlooked for bench duty for 14 consecutive fixtures earlier this term, but is now hoping for more opportunities under Bootham Crescent boss Nigel Worthington in 2014.

“It’s nice to be back involved and getting a run-out and, hopefully, I can get a run of games to prove my worth,” Coulson said.

“I just want to be playing and starting – of course – but I will leave that to the manager.

“When he says the time is right, the time will be right. All I can do is keep doing my best when I get a chance.”

Prior to his Gigg Lane strike, Coulson last netted during a 1-1 draw at Exeter in September 2012.

He suffered cruciate knee ligament damage for the third time in his career a month later before returning to action in March under new chief Worthington.

Since then, he has had chances to end his barren spell – most notably having a late opportunity cleared off the line against Rochdale and heading wide at Accrington on Boxing Day with the goal at his mercy.

“It was a bit of a relief to get back on the scoresheet because it’s been a long time since I have scored and, while I was obviously out with injury, it can still play on your mind,” admitted Coulson.

“I’ve said many times I see scoring goals as a big part of my game so, hopefully, I can add a few more before the end of the season.

“I had a few chances at Bury so I am obviously getting in the right areas. I actually looked over at the linesman for the goal because I didn’t know whether I was offside or not.

“Apparently, somebody said I was but I’m not complaining. At the end of the day, we lost though and that’s not how I wanted the game to finish.”

Right-footed Coulson also believes his employment by Worthington on the left flank increases his chances of getting his name on the scoresheet, adding: “I am always looking to get shots away. That’s just the way I play so playing on the left suits me in that respect.”