AIDAN Connolly and Kaine Felix have been told they need to do better to stay in York City’s starting XI.

The attacking pair were given their first starts of the season during Monday’s 2-0 home defeat to FC United of Manchester, with Connolly kicking off a game for the first time since March and Felix given his first City start for ten months.

Felix, who ended last term on the transfer list, only lasted 50 minutes, however, before making way for Sam Muggleton and Connolly was replaced by Michael Rankine six minutes later.

The duo were given their chances with Louis Almond (bruised ribs) and Adriano Moke (pulled thigh muscle) both ruled out, but City chief Gary Mills wanted both players to stake bigger claims for regular selection, while stressing they were not alone in delivering below-performances during the bank-holiday fixture.

“Like a few others, they could have done better,” said Mills on Connolly and Felix’s recalls. “It was an opportunity for them.

“Aidan didn’t really get into the game and make things happen, which we know he’s capable of and, when Kaine got into good areas, he didn’t produce what we needed from him. When players get the shirt, they have got to do it - I can’t do it for them.

“I’ve given them the shirt and the opportunity to go and play well and do their jobs to the best of their ability. They know they have to do that and there were a few others who could have done better too.”

Connolly missed pre-season after undergoing calf surgery and now wants to step up his comeback from injury with more game time, adding: “I just want to play every game and show what I can do.

“I felt I did OK (on Monday) and could have done better, but that will come with more games and time. I had 70 minutes in a game against the youth team and now I’ve got another 50-odd minutes under my belt, so that will be good for me.”