YORK CITY chief Nigel Worthington is optimistic midfielder Luke Summerfield might yet make the start of the Sky Bet League Two season next month.

The midfielder, who joined the Minstermen after being released from Shrewsbury earlier in the summer, didn't feature in the 0-0 draw at St Johnstone suffering from minor ligament trouble.

Worthington revealed the 26-year-old tweaked his knee after a ball caught him on the end of his toe in training and the York boss initially thought it would be "touch and go" whether he made the beginning of the campaign.

But speaking ahead of tonight's pre-season friendly at Bootham Crescent against Premier League Hull City (kick off 7.30pm), he said: "We are targeting, if everything goes well, that he may have a part to play against Sheffield United (on August 2).

"It has settled down nicely in the last two or three days. We will be cautious and there will probably be a better assessment after the game against Nottingham Forest."

Worthington will assess goalkeeper Michael Ingham this morning to see whether he can return to action from a groin strain but, with City's slimline squad still without Daniel Parslow and Wes Fletcher, and Josh Carson not expected back until November, he may utilise a couple of youth players tonight to bulk up his substitutes.

Tigers boss Steve Bruce has promised to bring his full squad to Bootham Crescent, giving the Minstermen to chance to pit their wits against the likes of Tom Huddlestone, Alex Bruce and, hopefully, new signings Jake Livermore and Tom Ince.

Worthington said the fixture was a step-up in intensity from their efforts so far and, while he has stressed the result is still unimportant, he believes it is a chance for his men to test themselves against top flight performers.

He added: "It is a privilege to play against these type of players. Steve Bruce is a bringing a full first team squad and will play two 11s. It's a big step up for us and it is about testing ourselves.

"It is a great fitness exercise and a chance to have a look at the big boys and see how we do against them. Hopefully, it will bring in a good crowd - I think the game deserves that.

"As far as the game is concerned, we want to make sure we do well and get the maximum we can from the game as we bring our full focus on Tranmere.

"Everything up to now, in the first three weeks, has been very, very good. Scotland was excellent and there was lots of good stuff. I am very pleased with the way it is shaping up. We are really starting to harness down on individual things but it is all about looking at Saturday, August 9."