Tom Platt poser for York City

11:17am Thursday 13th December 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Dave Flett, Sports reporter

York City midfielder Tom Platt, pictured in action for the Minstermen in pre- season, is starring on loan for Harrogate Town and tonight hopes to help the Wetherby Roaders into the third round of the FA Cup York City midfielder Tom Platt, pictured in action for the Minstermen in pre- season, is starring on loan for Harrogate Town and tonight hopes to help the Wetherby Roaders into the third round of the FA Cup

YORK City midfielder Tom Platt could be recalled to Bootham Crescent in the new year even if Harrogate Town earn themselves a glamorous FA Cup tie at Middlesbrough.

Blue Square Bet North outfit Harrogate are hoping to secure a third-round trip to 2006 UEFA Cup finalists Boro by beating replay foes Hastings United tonight (7.45pm).

The winners will take on their Championship hosts during the first weekend of January, by which time City first-year professional Platt is due back at Bootham Crescent following the expiry of his loan spell at Wetherby Road.

Minstermen chief Gary Mills has not ruled out an extension to Platt’s stay, but added that he would only do that if it is in the interests of his club.

He said: “It will be a decision to be made nearer the time but, if we bring him back, it will be for the right reasons and because he’s a York City player.”

Mills has been pleased, however, with the exposure to men’s football that Platt has received at Harrogate with the teenage midfielder having netted five times, including a goal during the initial game with Hastings, since making the switch to Town in November.

“I’m delighted for him,” Mills said of Platt’s loan success. “He’s growing up and we are continuing to see a difference in him during training. It’s all about bringing young lads on the right way. He’s getting the experience of regular games, which is better than him being here and not playing.”

Platt goes into tonight’s away game fresh from scoring twice in Town’s 2-1 win at Colwyn Bay in Blue Square Bet North on Saturday.

Harrogate will be without defender Alan White, who is suspended following his dismissal in the FA Trophy defeat by Gainsborough last month.

Comments(10)

rogue84 says...
11:46am Thu 13 Dec 12

there's some real potential in this lad, but surely if our squad is at the level in january as it is right now, we can't rob him of playing at the riverside?

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henleazeyorkie says...
12:24pm Thu 13 Dec 12

rogue84 wrote:
there's some real potential in this lad, but surely if our squad is at the level in january as it is right now, we can't rob him of playing at the riverside?
Exactly what I was thinking. Besides, and with complete respect to Tom and Harrogate's opponents, Hastings and Colwyn Bay are hardly Gillingham et al.

Best of luck to Harrogate tonight though. Really hope they make it

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kirkbride1979 says...
1:01pm Thu 13 Dec 12

only bring him back if he is going to play !! he is at that stage were he needs games to become a better player

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PhilipInYork says...
1:24pm Thu 13 Dec 12

Oh, that's interest and more obvious that I assumed...Harrogate aren't full time, so Platt comes back and trains with York as a full time player?

Nice. Great hopes for this lad.

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bill bailey says...
2:46pm Thu 13 Dec 12

Leave the lad where he is, hes one for next season.hopefully if they play Middlesbough we can see what he can realy do on a big stage,

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Phil, Leeds says...
4:23pm Thu 13 Dec 12

He's an interesting player but it would be mean not to let him play at Boro' assuming Harrogate win tonight which isn't as definite as some seem to think.

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long distance depressive says...
8:00pm Thu 13 Dec 12

Once we are in a safe position in the league then he and Allen should be given a few chances.

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YorkCityLuke says...
9:44pm Thu 13 Dec 12

Just scored again - I say, let him play at Boro (if they win), then recall him. Seems to know where the goal is.

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Some old bloke says...
11:19pm Thu 13 Dec 12

Surprisingly Harrogate lost on penalties in the end, so they won't be playing Middlesbrough anyway. Shame.

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GreenshawGrinder says...
12:32am Fri 14 Dec 12

A midfielder who scores goals, could be worth a punt, midfield so far this season has been disappointing.

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