WES FLETCHER feels he can forge a potent partnership with summer signing Jake Hyde if the duo line up together in York City's attack.

The strikers have yet to play on the same pitch together with Fletcher, on his return from a medial knee ligament injury, replacing Hyde on 71 minutes in each of the Minstermen's last two matches.

Both forwards found the net, however, during Tuesday's 2-2 home draw with Cambridge United, with Hyde getting his second in as many outings for his new team, assuming he will be credited for the opening goal against Northampton last weekend.

The latter has managed double figures in front of goal during each of his last two seasons at previous club Barnet, while Fletcher struck 13 times during his first full campaign for City before being sidelined in early spring.

On the possibility of linking up with Hyde, instead of replacing him from the bench, Fletcher said: "We have both got to get fit first.

"Hydey hasn't been playing full games, because he's coming back as well due to a few niggles. Once we are both fully fit and firing hopefully we can make a good partnership.

"He's a bit like me in that he likes to play little balls around corners and I think that could lead to some good play in and around the box."

Following five months on the sidelines, though, Fletcher is content to continue contributing from the bench for now, adding: ""I was told I was going to be eased back in with gradual minutes each game and I probably need a few more minutes before I can think about completing 90.

"I am feeling sharp but I just need that bit of extra match fitness."

The former Burnley reserve has been encouraged, however, by the manner in which his knee has responded during his two comeback outings.

He revealed: "I was a bit nervous during that first game back, seeing if my knee would hold out, but it felt good and I just need to keep strengthening it up. The results have been disappointing, but I'm happy to be playing again and getting minutes under my belt. We just need to start winning games now.

"We have just got to keep playing well and clean up on the little mistakes we have been making and put the chances away, then we should be okay."

Fletcher was also delighted to get back on the scoresheet this week, despite confessing to a few butterflies as he resumed spot kick duties against Cambridge.

"I was full of nerves because I had missed my last one at Mansfield, but I'm always confident to step up and take penalties and that's why I ran and got the ball," he explained.

Fletcher played no part in City's play-off bid last term after being chopped down by a crude challenge by Portsmouth defender Ben Chorley during March's 1-0 win at Fratton Park.

The incident saw Chorley sent off but he has shown no remorse since and Fletcher is now targeting October's home meeting with the fallen south-coast giants to exact his revenge in the best possible way.

Ormskirk-born Fletcher admitted: "It was a big disappointment missing the play-offs but these things happen in football. You just have to get on with it.

"I don't want to say too much about the challenge. He obviously did it for a reason but he didn't come out and apologise, which was a bit bad from him at that end.

"It would be nice to score a couple of goals against them, especially if he's playing."

On a potential tally for the campaign, the City striker added: "I don't normally set a number but I would love to get more than I scored last season. Twenty would be an obvious target too, so as close to that or more would be very good."