YORK City will not be able to recall Anthony Straker from his loan spell at Motherwell this season even if they suffer an injury crisis.

The rules governing transfers between English and Scottish clubs mean moves of any kind are only permitted during the August and January windows, meaning Straker will complete the rest of the campaign in the Scottish Premier League.

He will then return to Bootham Crescent with another year on his contract left to run.

While admitting the recall issue is “a little disappointment”, City boss Russ Wilcox recognised that the switch offers Straker a “magnificent opportunity” to kickstart his career again.

Despite jointly winning The Press Player of the Month for August award with Michael Coulson after turning down a new contract at Southend to sign for City last summer, Straker has not started a game for the Minstermen since September 6 and been restricted to three substitute outings during Wilcox’s three-and-a-half month reign.

A groin injury has played a role in that inaction with Wilcox saying: “Anthony has been frustrated, like a few other players, but I can only select 11 players.

“When I came here he was injured, so I’ve not seen much of him and it’s important for his career that he plays some football. I know he started the season well but it’s been a bit stop-start since.

“He played 50 games last season for Southend and figured in both games against Scunthorpe and played really well. I thought it was a terrific signing for York City when he was brought here in the summer, but injuries have taken their toll.

“He’s had a recurrence of a groin problem and not got going, so this will be a fresh challenge for him. We’ve spoken previously about him going out on loan and this magnificent opportunity has risen for him in the Scottish Premier League.

“He’s grasped it with both hands but he’s still a York City player with another season on his contract and we will be monitoring him while he’s there. The football is interesting up there - it’s a mixed bag.

“Some teams are League Two level, others are League One and Celtic are Championship/Premier League, so it’s a great chance for him. I know their manager Ian Baraclough from our days at Scunthorpe together.

“They have lost their last five games and he needed to add to their squad.”

Straker, meanwhile, told Motherwell's official website: “I can’t wait to get involved and hopefully be part of a team week in and week out.

“I’ll come in and give my all. I want to show the supporters what I can do and come off the pitch knowing I’ve given everything for the team.”