FORMER Barnsley and Cheltenham winger Martin Devaney could earn himself a contract with York City if he impresses during today’s scheduled behind-closed-doors reserve match against Scunthorpe.

Devaney, 32, has been playing for Bohemians in Dublin since his release from League One Tranmere at the end of last season.

He had previously spent six years at Oakwell, where he plied his trade in the Championship and was instrumental in FA Cup victories over Liverpool and Chelsea.

City boss Gary Mills has now handed the former Coventry City apprentice a chance to resurrect his career during a trial at Bootham Crescent, saying: “Martin is an experienced wide striker.

“He will play for us today if the game goes ahead and he’s here with a view to looking at him and taking him on. He’s been with us for a week, but it’s been a bit of a nightmare because we haven’t been able to train properly due to the weather so we’re desperate to get this game on.

“He’s done fantastically well in his career and has still got lots to offer. He’s a fit, fit lad and isn’t tied up anywhere.

“He’s available and still hungry to do well at 32, so there’s a good possibility he could join us.”

Devaney has arrived at Bootham Crescent at an opportune time with attacking wide men Ashley Chambers and Michael Coulson both crocked.

Injury-plagued Oli Johnson has also not featured in City’s first team since the FA Cup exit at AFC Wimbledon in mid-November and, in total, the former Norwich and Yeovil has been limited to just one start and six substitute appearances since his summer switch from Oxford.

But, due to the absence of Chambers and Coulson, Johnson could now receive a quick recall if he can prove he has put a catalogue of niggling injuries behind him against Scunthorpe.

Providing he comes through unscathed, Mills is planning to take Johnson to Gillingham for Saturday’s League Two clash at Priestfield with the City boss adding: “I thought it was Christmas again when I saw Oli Johnson training and it’s great to have him back.

“He’s had a horrendous time since coming to the club with injuries but he trained really well last week and is looking like the player I brought here in July. There’s an opportunity for him if he gets fitter and sharper because of where we are player-wise at the moment.

“Ash Chambers will be out for four to six weeks, Michael Coulson is unlikely to play any part in the rest of the season and Jamie Reed could be departing at some stage. I know Oli can play – there’s no two ways about that – and I hope I can get the best out of him for the next three months.”

Centre-back Chris Doig has not recovered from an ankle injury, however, meaning he is ruled out of today’s reserve clash.