Super-sub Craig Farrell declared himself fit to start a first-team match after scoring a quickfire hat-trick during York City's 6-0 FA Cup fourth qualifying round victory over Rushall Olympic.

Farrell's ten-minute treble, after goals on 78, 85 and 88 minutes, was the third-quickest in City history after Johnny Edgar (six minutes) in 1959/60 and Steve Spooner (eight minutes) in 1989/90.

It also represented a dream return to action for the 24-year-old forward, whose last Blue Square Premier appearance came during the 3-0 defeat at Kidderminster on September 8.

Not long after that match, scans revealed a persistent thigh problem, that had troubled Farrell since February, had been caused by torn muscle fibres.

But, having played 45 minutes for the reserves against Hull last week, he scored his first senior hat-trick against Southern League first division visitors Rushall on Saturday after replacing Richard Brodie on 59 minutes.

On-loan Scunthorpe striker Daniel McBreen was unavailable for the match to avoid becoming cup-tied but Farrell will now be challenging the Australian, who might have missed out anyway with tonsillitis, and Brodie for a starting place at Farsley Celtic on Sunday.

About his chances of selection, Farrell said: "I've been working hard with (physio) Jeff Miller and I'll always try as hard as I can.

"It's up to the manager if he starts me in the next game, but I'm available for selection now.

"I've had no problems with my thigh in training or after the reserve game so, fingers crossed, there will be no reaction to playing against Rushall either. It was a nice game to return in.

"I fancied myself to score when I came on, but the main objective was to get a run-out and have no reaction. Having been out for six weeks, to get one goal would have been nice so I'm delighted with all three."

Farrell believes he scored a quicker hat-trick than Saturday's as a child, but was also quick to highlight Brodie's honest endeavour as a contributing factor in his three-goal haul.

Ex-Newcastle Benfield striker Brodie was barracked by certain sections of the KitKat Crescent crowd before being replaced, but Farrell said: "Richard always works as hard as he can and when he came off they were a bit tired at the back, so I am grateful to him for that. It was a tough first half, but our quality eventually came through when they got tired."