TOM PLATT is being challenged to emulate fellow Centre of Excellence graduate Tom Allan by forcing his way into York City’s first-team.

First-year professional Platt was named on the bench for the Minstermen’s 0-0 draw with Fleetwood Town at Highbury on Saturday after being recalled from his successful loan period at Blue Square Bet North neighbours Harrogate Town.

Manager Gary Mills said: “We sent him out for three months and he’s done very well so it’s up to him now.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him in training over the next two or three weeks.

“I’ve seen a vast improvement in him fitness wise and the way he gets around the pitch is better than it was a year ago.

“He has scored an abundance of goals for Harrogate and he might just get his chance with us now like Tom Allan has. It’s a bonus to have another youth-team player coming through.”

Platt could benefit from the sale of fellow midfielder Jonathan Smith – a deal that Mills felt represented good business for the club.

Smith, 26, was a League Two title winner at Swindon last season but has returned to the non-League ranks with Luton after enduring a tough second spell in North Yorkshire following his return to City last summer.

He recently spent a month on loan with the Hatters and has now made the permanent switch.

Mills said: “I brought him back to the club but it’s not worked out.

“I was disappointed with his performances at the start of the season because they were not good enough for me. He wanted to go out on loan once I dropped him and he then expressed how much he was enjoying it at Luton.

“I feel we got a good fee for him.”