CHARLIE Cooper is on target for National League promotion with Forest Green Rovers after failing to land a permanent deal with York City.

Cooper, the son of Rovers manager Mark, returns to Bootham Crescent tomorrow for the first time since an unspectacular loan deal with the Minstermen in November.

The midfielder, who is still on the books at Birmingham City, had yet to play first team football when he became the first signing of Gary Mills’ second tenure as York manager.

He played five times for York without enjoying a single win and, upon completion of his deal, Mills said: “Charlie conducted himself superbly well and didn’t let himself down - but I just felt we needed to move on.”

Cooper was duly snapped up by his father Mark and has now helped Forest Green qualify for the National League play-offs.

He is set to make his 20th start for Forest Green tomorrow and will no doubt be looking to show York supporters what they missed.

Fortunately for York, there is no real pressure on Forest Green to win the game as they have already qualified for the play-offs and play Dagenham & Redbridge next week in the semifinals.

However, a victory would guarantee a third place finish in the table, meaning they would have home advantage in the semifinal second leg.

Ironically, Cooper made his debut for York alongside Sean Newton in a 2-2 draw at home to Sutton United.

Mills had signed Newton on loan from Wrexham just 24 hours after landing Cooper.

While Cooper lasted just a month at Bootham Crescent, Newton secured a permanent deal until the end of next season.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s clash, Newton dismissed talk that Forest Green may look to rest players ahead of the play-offs.

“It’s not going to be an easy game,” stressed Newton. “They will want to win and get a second leg at home in the play-offs. They are not coming here to get beat.”