DIEGO DE GIROLAMO has not ruled out making his loan move to York City a permanent one.

The Italian Under-20 international expressed delight at beginning his third spell at Bootham Crescent having arrived from Sheffield United until the end of the League Two campaign.

De Girolamo, who scored four goals in eight games in his previous two spells with the Minstermen, will leave Bramall Lane in the summer having turned down a contract offer from Blades boss Nigel Clough.

Despite being linked with giants of European football Juventus and Premier League Sunderland, and professing a natural desire to play at the top level, the 19-year-old admits York would be a "great place" for him long term.

"I am delighted to be back - really happy," he said of his return. "I came back into training on Tuesday and it just felt right - like I had never left. All I want is to play football. You shouldn't get into any team with a divine right to start.

"I saw Wes (Fletcher) played very well on Saturday and I will strive to work hard and to get into the starting 11."

De Girolamo revealed he had turned down loan offers from sides in the Championship and League One as he weighed up his options and, having picked up a serious knee injury that kept him out of action for nine months back in 2013, he feels he is only now getting back to his best.

He added: "I feel I am almost fully fit and I feel York fans will see the best of me. I feel at my best, the best since my injury, and I am looking again to take that into games.

"There were a couple of offers for loans until the end of the season but it was an easy decision. I have loved my time at York City. It has been absolutely brilliant. The fans are quality. Even the city itself - I love York."

On his future ambitions and his decision to leave Sheffield United, De Girolamo said: "York brought me in and gave me a chance. Russ Wilcox has been brilliant with me.

"At Sheffield United I felt that no matter how many times I was told they were going to give me a chance, there was no way I was going to get it. I had to decide to leave the club at the end of the season.

"I don't feel I have got any divine right to start. I have got to work hard and get a place in the side. But, at Sheffield United, no matter what I did there wasn't a chance to get into the first team.

"Coming to York City is a great boost. I feel happy after just one day of training and I can't wait for Saturday."

Asked whether he would consider signing for the Minstermen in the summer, he added: "It's not something I am going to overlook. York would be a great place for me. As a young footballer my aim is to play as high as possible - whether in the Premier League or in Serie 'A'."

* York City's poor recent record in the North Riding Senior Cup continued as the Minstermen were beaten 2-1 at holders Guisborough Town on Tuesday night.

Guisborough's Connor Smith put the home side in front after only three minutes played but York managed to equalise through Adam Morley on 77 minutes. Curtis Round scored the winning goal for Town with only three minutes left.

Richard Cresswell, head of football operations at York City, said: "We always knew it was going to be a tough challenge but I thought the lads acquitted themselves well on the night.

“It was literally men against boys and although we rode our luck in the opening stages, the side didn’t fold and responded well to going a goal behind.

“To concede late on is unfortunate but every one of them should be proud of their efforts and they were a credit to the club.”

Guisborough will play either Middlesbrough or Scarborough Athletic in the final.