Scott Kerr relishes York City return (From York Press)

Scott Kerr relishes York City return

11:40am Saturday 6th October 2012 in Sport By Steve Carroll, Sports reporter

REJUVENATED Scott Kerr can’t wait to pull on a York City shirt again and hopes he has given boss Gary Mills “a little headache” ahead of today’s League Two clash against Rotherham United (3pm).

The 30-year-old, pictured, marked his return from a cruciate ligament injury with an impressive hour in Wednesday’s behind-closed-doors victory over Newcastle United reserves and said he is “relishing” the chance to represent the Minstermen in the Football League.

Kerr dropped out of League Two with Lincoln to join City and was subsequently a key part of the club’s drive for promotion before he damaged his knee in York’s FA Trophy semi-final second-leg triumph at Luton Town in March.

Having spent seven months on the sidelines, he is champing at the bit to get back out on the pitch in competitive action and, with Mills having not ruled out a return against the Millers, Kerr is hoping he can play some part at Bootham Crescent.

“It’s good to be back and to pull on a York strip again, run out with the lads and play a competitive game,” he said of his performance in the 3-1 win over Newcastle at the club’s Wigginton Road training ground.

“I got a bit of a blow in the first 20 minutes. The lungs were struggling a bit, but then I got a second wind and felt good. I didn’t really want to come off to be honest but I don’t want to overdo it in the first game back.

“I felt excited and nervous – it was like I was 18 again – about turning up for a game and preparing for a game. I haven’t had that for seven months.

“Preparing is a big part of it and doing things right ready for a game on a Saturday and Tuesday.

“I’ve missed it. So to play, even against an under-21s side, to get out there, get on the ball, pass it, make a few tackles, it was great. It was a good performance from the lads.”

With an impressive display of passing, and a willingness to get stuck in with a tackle, it looked like Kerr had never been away – although the former Scarborough man admitted it hadn’t been quite as comfortable.

“It didn’t feel like that,” he added. “I felt a little bit rusty and there were a couple of sloppy passes towards the end when I got tired but, for my first game back, I was more than happy with that. I felt really good. You never lose it too much but it is getting back into the swing of things and getting that match sharpness. That will only come with games.

“I have been back a couple of weeks and gradually increased training, warm up, tackling and into the full game. I am just glad I have come out of it. I have seen the physio and the knee feels great. It is just a matter of managing it and giving the gaffer a little headache.”

On the prospect of playing against Rotherham, Kerr said: “I have spoken to the gaffer and we will see what happens. I would like to be involved in some capacity if I can. I just want to get back out there with the lads, helping the lads pick up points. We were very unlucky on Tuesday (against Fleetwood). The first half an hour was probably the best we have played this season, although in the second half we didn’t really get going.

“We have got a lot to build on. We have had a good start to the season and with myself and TY (McGurk) coming back we have got a good squad here. With players coming back it can only be a positive.

“I can’t wait to pull on a York shirt in the League. I played a lot of games for Lincoln in the League but I am relishing the chance to pull on a York shirt and carry on where I left off.”