FIRST-YEAR pro Callum Rzonca is a work in progress according to York City manager Russ Wilcox.

The teenage attacker was handed a pro contract at the end of the season, but the Minstermen boss admits he is not yet ready to be thrust into the first-team frame.

The City chief said: “Callum can play out wide or as a striker. He’s a direct player, who’s pacy and positive in his play.

“There’s still work to be done with him but it’s really important to try to get people coming through the academy. He’s not ready for the first team at the moment but he’s a work in progress and he’s shown me enough to earn a year’s contract.”

Rzonca could feature in pre-season for City, though, with Wilcox revealing that the club hopes to announce a couple of “exciting friendlies” shortly.

Wilcox has also stressed the importance of compiling a programme that includes both tough tests and less-challenging contests.

“We are hoping to announce a couple of really exciting games against Premier League and Championship clubs,” he explained.

“We’re just waiting for confirmation their end.

“I think it’s important that you get the balance right between games that are a good test for you defensively and others where you can do more on offensive work. You don’t want your strikers just chasing after the ball and closing down.

“You want them to get some goals in pre-season to give them confidence. Results won’t matter though.

“It’s more about fitness. I remember not winning any of our 11 pre-season games at Northampton once and then we won our first game 5-0.”