AMARI Morgan-Smith is hoping to make up for past Wembley disappointment by playing at the world-famous stadium for the first time with York City.

The on-loan Cheltenham striker scored in the Minstermen’s 2-1 FA Trophy second-round victory at Harlow to tee up a last-16 meeting at Nuneaton Town.

He is now targeting a final under the iconic arch, having been left out of Luton’s squad for the 2012 play-off final defeat against his new team at the hallowed London venue.

Morgan-Smith made substitute outings for the Hatters in both legs of their semi-final victory over Wrexham that season and he said: “At Luton, we got to the play-off final twice when I was there.

“The first time, it was at the Etihad Stadium and the second time it was at Wembley against York, but I wasn’t in the squad, so it would be great to go back there, lace my boots up, get on the pitch and bring the trophy back to York. Every footballer wants to play there so, hopefully, I can do that at the end of the season.”

Morgan-Smith has also bought into manager Gary Mills’ vision of lifting the trophy after securing National League survival – a double that would enhance the possibility of him extending his stay at Bootham Crescent beyond the summer.

On the motivation behind his City switch, Morgan-Smith pointed out: “First and foremost, I want first-team action, but I also like the vision of Gary Mills and I’ve worked with (City football consultant) Darren Caskey before.

“They are great coaches and genuine people in terms of where they want this club to go. Darren Caskey was on the phone to me pretty much all day before I signed and I want to thank them both for giving me this opportunity.

“They asked me to come and help them out of the mess the club is in and I think we’ve got enough in the changing room to be alright. I’m a winner and I always want to try and win games.

“I’ll never give up and I think a lot of the players here are very similar, so I’d like to think we will all pull together and do as much as possible for the club. Next season also got put to me when I spoke to the club and we’ll see what happens.

“It would delight me if we stay in the league, then crack on and give it a right good go next season.”

Morgan-Smith worked under former Tottenham midfielder Caskey, once “dubbed the next Glenn Hoddle”, at Ilkeston when the unfashionable Derbyshire side finished eighth in the National North table having been promoted the previous season.

Ex-England youth international Caskey was assistant manager at the time, but was also still playing and, on his old mentor’s coaching and football ability, Morgan-Smith added: “He’s enthusiastic and serious.

“He also played at a good level so, when he speaks, a lot of players sit up and take in every word he says. He can still do a bit on the training ground and, whilst I don’t want to talk him up too much, he was a tremendous football player.

“I played with him for a little spell at Ilkeston and you could see how good he was then. Hopefully, he can pass that on to the players so we can move forward and I’m excited to work with him again. I did at Ilkeston and we were very successful so, hopefully, we can bring that here.”