Richard Brodie and Neil Barrett back in contention for York City (From York Press)

Richard Brodie and Neil Barrett back in contention for York City

10:40am Friday 5th February 2010

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YORK City midfielder Neil Barrett is in line for a recall, along with top scorer Richard Brodie, for tomorrow’s trip to play-off rivals Kettering.

Barrett was left on the bench for Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw at Histon despite declaring himself fit after suffering a thigh injury that kept him out of last weekend’s FA Trophy victory over Corby Town.

But, after two games on the sidelines, the former Chelsea trainee is in contention for a starting place.

Ben Purkiss, who netted at Histon, is the most likely candidate to make way for a Barrett return with Alex Lawless shifting to the right side of midfield.

Twenty-seven goal leading marksman Brodie, meanwhile, is expected to replace either Michael Gash or Michael Rankine after serving a two-match ban.

Manager Martin Foyle said: “Neil Barrett has been very, very unlucky not to be in the team.

“He took a bang on the thigh prior to the Corby game and, even though he declared himself fit on Monday afternoon, I made my decision to protect him and go with what we did at Histon because we have the squad to be able to do that.

“But Neil’s been flying and it will be a big decision for Kettering and I know the players won’t always agree with the ones we make."

Brodie’s return is seemingly certain, but Foyle was generous in his praise for how the team have coped in his absence, adding: “We haven’t lost a game with him out of the side, which speaks volumes for the other players.

“As far as I’m concerned, the team did very well keeping a clean sheet and working hard in all areas of the pitch.”

Goalkeeper Michael Ingham is also available for selection despite an injury scare at Histon.

Foyle said: “He hurt his chest, but has had an injection and looked fine yesterday, which is important.

“Everybody else is fit and I’m so pleased to have a full squad at this stage of the season.

“The competition is fantastic and that makes my decisions a little harder.”

Kettering are without a home win in four-and-a-half months but Foyle will not be under-estimating tomorrow’s fifth-placed hosts.

“I always respect Kettering,” he said.

“They are a decent side with good footballers in the midfield who can cause you problems.”

Elsewhere, Gateshead have revealed that they paid £3,500 for City midfielder Andy Ferrell’s services earlier this week.

The North Riding Senior Cup home tie against Guisborough, meanwhile, has been brought forward seven days to next Tuesday.

Foyle added: “That will give everybody not in the team currently a chance to shine although I have no problems with anybody. They are all doing well.”

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