NORWEGIAN utility man Erik Tonne is hoping his versatility can help him break back into York City’s first team.

Tonne, playing in midfield, scored his first goal in City colours during Tuesday night’s 4-0 North Riding Senior Cup victory over Grangetown Boys Club.

He went on to finish the game at left-back and also believes he is capable of operating either on the flanks or through the middle of a three-pronged strike-force.

Having been schooled from an early age in the workings of 4-3-3 at Champions League regulars Rosenborg – his first club – Tonne is also adept at understanding the different roles in City boss Gary Mills’ favoured formation.

Following his arrival on loan from Sheffield United, Tonne made his City debut as a midfielder at home to Ebbsfleet in the 1-0 FA Trophy third round victory but has sat out the last three matches.

He is now counting on his flexibility to fill a number of positions proving advantageous during the final two months of the Minstermen’s campaign.

Tonne said: “When I played for Rosenborg we always played 4-3-3 so it’s a familiar system for me and one I feel confident with. I can also play in different roles – I’m not just a midfielder.

“I’ve been playing as a striker at Sheffield United so I’ve moved around a bit and not really settled into one role. I can play on the flanks too and operating in different positions is part of my game.

“I’m adaptable and I’m hoping I can find a role in the team here at York and fit in with how the gaffer wants me to play. I even ended Tuesday’s match at left-back and I’ve played there before.

“When I played in Norway, I played at left-back and that’s what I was when I came to England. I’ve not played there for a couple of years but I could if needed.

“It would be just a matter of getting used to the position again. It’s different to playing in a three-man midfield but it’s quite similar to playing as a wide man in a 4-4-2 formation, which I’ve done before. It’s just more defensive.”

Whether playing in City’s back four would be making the best use of the on-loan Blade’s cutting edge in front of goal is debatable however.

Tonne has netted twice in his six outings for the Bramall Lane club despite all those appearances coming as a substitute.

His effort against Grangetown also saw him open his account for the Minstermen in only his second competitive match for the Blue Square Bet Premier promotion hopefuls.

The 20-year-old said: “I was pleased to get a goal on Tuesday and doing that is part of my game. I like to get forward and into the box.

“I see myself as a scorer and I feel I can bring that to the first team. I like getting my shots off and it’s just about confidence really. When I get more confidence, I will get more shots on goal.”

Tonne confessed that being left out of the team after just one appearance for his new side has been difficult but has accepted the decision and is now working on his fitness levels.

He added: “It’s been frustrating but it’s part of the game. Coming into a new team, I can’t just expect to walk into the team.

“I have to get to know the lads and the manager and how he wants to play. When I settle in more, I will adapt more because my aim is to play in every game – that’s why I’m here.

“I’ve not played an official game for Sheffield United since November. I’ve just been playing reserve matches there for a long time so I’ve got to get my match fitness back and that’s why it was good to get a competitive game like the one we had on Tuesday.

“It was a good workout for all us boys who haven’t played in the last few games.”

Tonne also appreciates the task any of City’s fringe players face when trying to earn a starting place with Tuesday’s County Cup side, which was treated as a reserve fixture, featuring as many as nine players boasting first-team experience.

“I didn’t know how many players were here before I came but the competition for places is good,” Tonne said. “We’ve got a big, nice group of lads who have made me feel welcome.”

That squad continues to target Wembley glory on two fronts – in the Trophy and play-off finals – with Tonne revealing the famous national stadium holds the same aura for continental players as it does those born in this country.

He said: “Wembley is very big for everyone in the world. Everyone knows all about it.

“When I spoke to the gaffer before I came here, we talked about the Trophy and play-off finals being at Wembley and it’s a big incentive to work towards. It’s the goal for the whole squad to get into both finals.

“We have to work hard to do that but, to be fair, we have a very good chance. I’ve not been to Wembley and would love to have the chance of going there to play for York – that would be a big thing.”

Tonne is also fulfilling every Norwegian schoolboy’s fantasy by plying his trade in England, explaining: “There’s a very big interest in English football in Norway.

“All the Premier League games are broadcast over there and everyone in Norway supports a team in England.

“I’m an Arsenal fan and I went to Highbury and have been to the Emirates and still go when I get the chance. I think going to watch matches also improves your understanding of the game.

“It’s a boyhood dream to come to England and I feel really privileged to be over here playing football.”

• The Blue Square Bet Premier 2012/13 season will start on Saturday, August 11, and finish on Saturday, April 20.

The finish date allows for next season’s Blue Square Bet Premier play-off final to be played at Wembley on Sunday, May 12.