York City manager Martin Foyle will run the rule over trialist David McDermott for a second time after being impressed with his performance against Hull City.

Winger McDermott caught Foyle’s eye during a 55-minute run-out in Saturday’s 1-0 friendly defeat and will be handed another chance to impress at Bootham Crescent against Barnsley tomorrow night.

The 22-year-old former Walsall trainee has spent the last two seasons at Kidderminster and was offered the opportunity to earn himself a new deal at Aggborough, but has opted to try his luck with the Minstermen instead.

Having been frustrated by his flair players at times during 2009/10, Foyle said: “David McDermott offered us something different to what we had last season and that’s the most pleasing thing because we need that.

“He can pop up in that hole and we need the variation he might give us. He’s the only outfield trialist I am considering, so the ball’s in his court.

“He will play again tomorrow so let’s wait and see how he does then. He didn’t want to come off against Hull, but he was tiring and we can’t afford groin strains or hamstring pulls. Keeping players on in that situation is doing them a disservice too.”

Former Morecambe and Leigh Genesis goalkeeper Steven Drench also played the second half of Saturday’s match on a trial basis after replacing Michael Ingham, but went on to concede Daniel Cousin’s 80th-minute header in disappointing fashion.

Drench is vying for a contract at Bootham Crescent with former Histon stopper David Knight, who could now feature against Barnsley after being ruled out at the weekend.

“David Knight was ill,” Foyle explained. “I felt sorry for the lad because he’s trained very well but he was at death’s door on Thursday and Friday. Hopefully, he can play a part tomorrow night.”

But experienced midfielder Phil Bolland, who trained with City last week, has now decided to commit his future to Macclesfield, where he plied his trade last season.

Foyle added: “I can understand his decision if he’s been offered a contract there.”

The City boss was pleased with his side’s display during their opening pre-season match and particularly encouraged by the manner in which first-year professionals Dean Lisles and Jamie Hopcutt and second-year trainees Jonny Andrew and Tom Richardson acquitted themselves.

He reserved special praise for Lisles, who lined up against Eire international winger Kevin Kilbane in the first half.

The City chief said: “I was delighted with the workout. The players tired a bit towards the end but you want that. The game was played in the right manner and the crowd was a good size as well.

“Hull are two games ahead of us in terms of their pre-season but it was refreshing to see the young lads come on.

“It can be quite intimidating for them but I was pleased to have a little look at them on the main pitch. Deano did well and is one of those I think will come on leaps and bounds this season.

“Right-back is not his position but he dealt with it well. He stood up tall and is an aggressive so and so as well.”

Foyle did feel, however, that inexperience might have contributed to Cousin’s goal, saying: “We were probably a bit deep on the set-piece and did not have too much height as Jimmy (Sangare) was off and strength can make a difference with the young players on the pitch as well.”

With defenders David McGurk, Greg Young and Duane Courtney all sidelined, Foyle also opted to field James Meredith after his recent knee operation and play Dan Parslow for the full match.

He added: “I had no choice but to keep Dan Parslow out there for 90 minutes because the referee would not let me bring somebody else back on. I wasn’t sure whether it was the right thing to do to play Mes until the last minute, but he’s 100 per cent fit now and it will have done him good.”


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