YORK City midfielder Chris Carruthers limped out of last night’s 2-0 friendly defeat to Barnsley, but his injury is unlikely to rule him out for the start of the season.

Carruthers was replaced after 43 minutes of the Bootham Crescent clash that was decided by two Andy Gray goals.

But, even though the former England youth international is expected to be sidelined for Saturday’s home match with Morecambe, he is unlikely to miss any more of the Minstermen’s pre-season programme.

City boss Martin Foyle said: “Chris has had a bit of a niggly groin problem and will probably get a rest on Saturday now but should be okay after then.”

Foyle also expects to welcome back defensive trio David McGurk, Greg Young and Duane Courtney for the Morecambe match after their injury problems while trialists Liam Darville and Mike Whitwell, both recruited from Leeds United, will also get another chance to impress after playing against Barnsley.

The City chief added: “The Leeds lads just turned up for the match, which is very hard but they acquitted themselves really well.

“They will be involved again on Saturday because we have a lot of knocks and that will give us a good chance to have a look at them even if it means going back for them further down the line in a loan deal.”

Foyle spoke to the agent of fellow trialist David McDermott before last night’s game but wanted to gather his thoughts on the former Kidderminster winger before deciding whether to offer him a permanent deal.

He said: “Some of his good play was a little bit deep and you want those kind of players operating more in the final third. I will be speaking to the player and the rest of our coaches before we decide.”

The City boss is also biding his time with trialist ’keepers David Knight and Steven Drench, who both played a half against the Tykes.

He said: “David Knight did well after his illness. Steven Drench did not have anything to do other than the goal, which was a fantastic finish.” Despite the defeat, Foyle was encouraged by his side’s display and added: “It was sharper than Saturday against Hull and that’s what I wanted to see.”