ON-LOAN striker Jake Wright will miss York City’s trip to Torquay after getting crocked playing for his parent club Sheffield United.

Wright suffered a foot injury for the Blades’ under-23 development team in their 1-1 draw with cross-city neighbours Sheffield Wednesday.

The teenage forward, who turns 20 on Sunday, was asked to feature in the game by Bramall Lane boss Chris Wilder.

Wright has started all three fixtures for the Minstermen since his switch from South Yorkshire, scoring a goal on his debut and also claiming two assists.

City chief Jackie McNamara is, therefore, disappointed to lose his services for the Plainmoor clash, but has no problem with Wilder’s decision to recall him for the midweek contest and has challenged Wright’s replacement – likely to be either Kaine Felix or Daniel Nti – to shine in Devon.

McNamara said: “Myself and (assistant) Simon (Donnelly) went to watch the match in Sheffield after our reserve game and, unfortunately, Jake came off at half-time with a foot injury, so he won’t make it for Torquay. That’s disappointing because he’s done well for us and we’ll have to change the starting line up, but he’s their player and the manager wanted to see him play.

“It was also a big game for them against their local rivals and they can call him back at any time. They are doing us a favour by letting him come here and play for us. It’s not ideal, but we’ll have to make sure we don’t miss him.

“All of the subs did well when they came on last week, so we’ve got options and we’ll have to see how we go.

The Minstermen will make the 320-mile journey to Torquay by coach tomorrow and will stop off en route for a 3pm coaching session at Exeter City’s training ground – a favour McNamara intends to repay later in the campaign.

Many of City’s supporters, meanwhile, will be up at 5am for the long trek and, with their team having failed to win on the road for more than a year, the former Scotland international is determined to reward their loyalty, adding: “Although our away form has been really disappointing, our fans have been terrific.

“They went in big numbers to Wrexham and Forest Green and, as this is our longest journey of the season, I’d like to repay them for their good support because, if we can sort our away results out, we will be right up there. I think if we get those three points, the shackles will then come off away from home and it would also set us up for a big week with Tranmere at home on Tuesday.”

McNamara went on to reveal that City keeper Scott Flinders is considering whether to appeal against the FA’s decision to find him guilty of racial abuse.

“It was a difficult case for a lot of different reasons,” the Bootham Crescent boss admitted. “Scott is looking at his options in terms of an appeal but, as far as the club is concerned, there’s nothing else we can do.

“We’ve now got three keepers fighting for a starting position and Kyle (Letheren) has got the jersey at the moment. Two of them are experienced keepers and we’ll see how things develop in the next few weeks before deciding whether one of them goes out on loan.”