DEFENSIVE sentinel John McCombe is confident he can make a double impact at York City.

The new Minstermen recruit, who has 19 career goals to his name, including a brace for Mansfield last month during a 3-2 home defeat to Accrington, reckons he can contribute for his new club at both ends of the pitch.

In 30 games this season, David McGurk is the only City centre-back to get his name on the scoresheet, following a second-half header at Wycombe in September, but former schoolboy striker McCombe feels he can help out in that respect.

“Getting forward and scoring goals is something I enjoy doing,” he admitted.

“I think it comes from playing as a centre forward when I was younger.

“I was switched from a striker into defence when I was 15 or 16. There were a few injuries in the team and I was one of the biggest players so the coaches thought I would do all right at the back and I have stayed there ever since.

“But I’ve got two goals this season and quite a few in my career, although I still think I can get a lot more.”

As well as providing a set-piece threat, McCombe does not mind operating in his old position as an emergency measure either.

He said: “I’ve been thrown up front near the ends of games quite often in my career. I enjoy doing that but, first and foremost, I am a centre-half and keeping clean sheets is my priority.”

City’s 100 per cent start to 2014 has seen them climb eight places up the Sky Bet League Two standings and move five points clear of a relegation zone they only avoided dropping into at the end of last year due to goal difference.

McCombe argued, however, that there is no room for complacency, reasoning: “There are quite a lot of teams in that middle area.

“We have got to kick on and, hopefully, carry the current form into the next few weeks to get more points. We must try to keep this run going and get safe as soon as possible.”

Having helped Hereford and Port Vale out of League Two, McCombe also has his opinion on the required ingredients for success at this level, saying: “You have got to have the right players, a good squad and a good manager, then be consistent over the season. That’s the main thing.”