SCOTT Flinders has confessed to “difficult” times at York City prior to his loan move to National League rivals Macclesfield this week.

The 30-year-old goalkeeper was found guilty by the FA of racial abuse last month and handed a five-game ban, as well as a two-week club suspension, where he was told to stay away from Bootham Crescent and the training ground.

Flinders has insisted that any words directed at Wimbledon striker Lyle Taylor – the complainant in his case – were not “racially motivated” and, having lost his place to Luke Simpson just before his ban was enforced, Kyle Letheren has since become the Minstermen’s first choice between the sticks during his absence.

Macclesfield, meanwhile, have turned to Flinders having shared the gloves between inexperienced pair Ritchie Branagan and Craig Ross.

The ex-Hartlepool shot-stopper is now expected to jump ahead of both in the Moss Rose pecking order during the one-month loan stay that has initially been agreed.

On his new challenge, Flinders said: “I got a call at the start of the week to see if I wanted to play some games and, with everything that has gone on over the last few weeks, it was a great opportunity to get some football again. As a footballer, playing is the most important thing and what you get judged on.

“I’ve played quite a few games in my career and this is a great opportunity at a good club. It’s been a difficult few weeks for me and I just wanted to get back to training and playing games, because that’s what I’m used to.”

Flinders kept only his sixth clean sheet in 52 outings for City during a 1-0 triumph over Macclesfield last month.

Despite that victory, John Askey’s men would now move up to fourth in the league table if they win their game in hand, while City are languishing in 17th.

The Rotherham-born, net-minder is, subsequently, hoping that his new team can find a level of consistency that has so far eluded his parent club this term.

He added: “I thought the game (at Bootham Crescent) was a draw all the way through the game, but we got a winner towards the end. When you look at certain teams during the season, though, you always feel Macclesfield will be up there and, from what I’ve seen during my first time playing in the Conference, it’s so inconsistent and, if you put a run together, you can get up there.”

Flinders’ debut is expected to come this weekend at City’s neighbours Guiseley, who are yet to taste victory this term with just three points taken from their opening 11 fixtures.

The 6ft 4in keeper is taking nothing for granted, though, reasoning: “I don’t know a great deal about Guiseley.

“It’s my first season in the Conference, but I played a handful of games at the start of the season and every game has been tough. Even the part-time teams are fit enough to be in your face, but I’m looking forward to being out there again.”