Ingham is in

9:51am Thursday 15th May 2008

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YORK City's capture of Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Michael Ingham was hailed by City boss Colin Walker as one of his most astute signings.

Ingham, who at the age of 27 is still far from the recognised peak of a career for a goalkeeper, agreed to join the Minstermen with whom he spent a distinguished loan stint five years ago.

Now the twice-capped international custodian is pressing for a far longer stay at KitKat Crescent than his original 17 loan appearances from Sunderland in 2003.

Indeed, Walker, who was delighted to welcome his new number one to the fold, revealed Ingham was due to get married this summer after which he and his wife are planning to settle in the York area.

Enthused Walker: "I've been working really hard to try to replace Tom Evans and I am really pleased to have get someone of Michael's ability and experience.

"He has got two full caps for Northern Ireland and he wants to get his career back on track at York City. Talks were very positive and he is a great signing."

During his initial four months on loan with City in 2003 Ingham kept seven clean sheets and was rated highly by the then manager Terry Dolan, winning over the City faithful too.

Since then he has racked up 143 senior appearances with Sunderland and loan spells at Carlisle, Darlington, Wrexham and Doncaster before joining Wrexham on a permanent deal three years ago. He has since been released by Hereford after being unable to displace first choice Wayne Brown.