FORMER Aberdeen left-back Dean Jarvis could join fellow Irishman David McDaid at York City.

Striker McDaid’s move from Derry was completed yesterday for a small fee, although international clearance was not received in time for him to be involved in today’s League Two clash at Gillingham.

Now City boss Gary Mills is considering whether to recruit defender Jarvis from Irish club Institute having released out-of-favour full-back Danny Blanchett.

Jarvis, 20, made one appearance for Aberdeen in the Scottish Premier League during the 2010/11 season before returning to his native Northern Ireland – a country that he has represented at under-16, 17, 19 and 21 level.

The Minstermen are keen to bring in some competition at left-back for Jamal Fyfield, who has started in the role for the last 25 games.

Mills was disappointed with Blanchett’s ability to challenge for Fyfield’s place, with the former Burton full-back managing just four appearances – two as a substitute – following his summer arrival at Bootham Crescent.

New loan signing Jack O’Connell can operate at left-back, but is more comfortable in the centre of defence.

Mills is looking for another specialist to contest Fyfield’s place, saying: “Dean Jarvis is a player everybody rates and we had him here during the worst of the snow.

“We will see what develops because he’s a good age and a good player. Danny Blanchett did not work out at left-back and I would like to bring somebody to the club in that position.

“Even if they are playing well, everybody needs competition. I want a player to come in and push Jamal or take his place.”

With striker Ben Everson having also been recruited from the Icelandic premier division and Jameel Ibel from Salford City, Mills defended his decision to cast his net wide in the search for transfer window signings.

Having chosen not to take a punt on 32-year-old winger Martin Devaney, the trialist with the biggest pedigree from the recent batch, Mills said: “You have to be brave as a manager sometimes because there’s pressure to sign name players who have done things.

“But signing a player and then developing them physically and mentally is part and parcel of the job. Jameel is somebody who has been talked about in non-League circles.

“I’ve had a long non-League background and, when I’ve spoken to people, he’s been mentioned. I’ve really liked what I’ve seen in him and I didn’t want to let him slip through my fingers by perhaps waiting until summer.

“I know there are good players at that level. All these players need is somebody to believe in them and improve them.”

Jarvis’ Institute team-mate Michael McCrudden – a former Newcastle United reserve and Northern Ireland U19 international – is also on Mills’ radar following a training spell with City.

The Minstermen, meanwhile, have come to the rescue of Harrogate Town by agreeing to host their Blue Square Bet North neighbours’ home match with Workington, managed by ex-City right-back Darren Edmondson, a week on Tuesday.

Doncaster Rovers had originally agreed to stage the match with Harrogate’s Wetherby Road pitch currently unplayable but the Keepmoat Stadium is no longer available, so City agreed the use of Bootham Crescent instead.

Another Harrogate game could yet be switched to City’s ground later in February.