Jon Parkin rated "50-50" for York City's trip to Bradford Park Avenue

The 35-year-old forward limped out of the action with a calf problem after scoring the first goal and setting up the second during Tuesday night’s 2-0 National League North win at Blyth Spartans.

He has not trained since and manager Gary Mills will not take any chances if he has not made a satisfactory recovery ahead of the Horsfall Stadium clash.

Michael Rankine is expected to return to training tomorrow following the hamstring injury that has seen him sidelined for the opening two games but, if Parkin’s fellow targetman is also still missing, then Mills believes Connor Smith and Kaine Felix are both able replacements.

On Parkin’s outlook, Mills revealed: “He’s not too good. His calf is a bit sore and he’ll be touch and go.

“He’s probably 50-50 and, with a lot of games to come, if he’s not right, we won’t risk him. Michael Rankine is with the physio and we’re working towards him hopefully being back in training tomorrow so, if he’s back, it will be one in, one out.

“But, if not, we have options. Kaine’s also there and did well when he came on at Blyth, as did Connor.

“He’s a bit more like Blairy (Matty Blair) in that 4-3-3 system because he’s a worker and he gets up and down, which was nice to see, because we’ve got to learn how to play the formation when we’ve not got the ball.”

Ahead of his side’s visit to the 3,500-capacity, West Yorkshire arena, Mills added that his players must prepare for a level of hospitality that might dip below that experienced at Blyth.

On the next challenge, the City chief said: “I watched them against Southport when they lost 2-1 at home on Monday and we know what they are about. They played quite direct and have got a few players who have played under me before, so I know all about them.

“We’ll be going to another ground that many of our players won’t have been to before, with a running track around it and it will be another mental test, going into such an environment. Good players can play anywhere and my players have to show they can do that.

“We had a nice atmosphere at Blyth. The pitch was also excellent, which is all credit to them.

“They made us very welcome, but we might not always get that kind of reception. Having worked in the north-east, I know the people up there are lovely.

“I’m not saying Bradford people aren’t and, if they are, then great but, if not, we have to handle that. The manager at Southport is a mate of mine and has told me that the dressing rooms are like underground war bunkers, so we’re making sure the players are prepared for that.

“But we won’t be moaning about it. We’ve got ourselves in this league and we’ve got to handle it.”

Only 574 witnessed Park Avenue’s defeat to Southport and, with City supporters having snapped up 740 tickets by lunchtime today, away fans are set to outnumber their home counterparts, which Mills reckons could have a big influence on the final outcome.

“We should have a strong following, which will be great, because that helps create an atmosphere for us,” Mills explained. “Our fans will play a big part at these grounds and we want to back up Tuesday with another win.

“A few teams have got two wins and we have to stay up there by getting another win. After half-a-dozen games, you don’t want to be too far away and we won’t be going away anywhere to sit back.

“Sometimes, you’re forced back, but we will be going out to win home and away.”