York City have signed teenage defender Kyle Armstrong from Preston North End.

Armstrong's arrival was completed before last night's Conference deadline and he is set to make his full debut at home to Gravesend and Northfleet tomorrow.

The 5ft 11in centre back has signed for City on a non-contract basis having completed his third year as an apprentice at Preston.

Armstrong joined the Championship club from their Centre of Excellence but, despite being called up to the first team squad on a couple of occasions, has failed to make his senior debut.

Minstermen manager Billy McEwan moved for a new defender yesterday with Jon Maloney returning to Doncaster Rovers and on-loan Aston Villa centre back Lee Grant recovering from a virus.

McEwan said: "It will give Kyle the chance to look at us while we also have a look at him. I watched him play for Preston reserves this week and he impressed me.

"He's comfortable on the ball and versatile. He could play at right back and in midfield but I hope to use him primarily as a defender where he will give us a bit more mobility.

"It will be good experience for him to come and play for a first team where it's men against men as opposed to Preston reserves. The thing I liked most about the boy is that he is really excited to come to York City."

McEwan had considered selecting Grant for the first time since he took over the managerial reins against Gravesend but admits the Villa youth-team player has been the victim of his own circumstances, saying: "He's had a virus like Byron Webster and lost about half a stone. He's up and about again but not training so he's unlucky because I had been watching him closely in training knowing Jon Maloney was going back and he has made progress every day since I've been here.

"He did very well against Boston for the reserves and he was very much in my thoughts. I've not seen him at Conference level yet but he's still got until April 23 to show me what he can do."

City have also extended Doncaster striker Ben Jackson's loan spell at KitKat Crescent until the end of the season.

Jackson, 19, has largely played on the right wing since signing for the Minstermen and McEwan believes he adapted better to the position during Easter Monday's 2-2 draw at Accrington Stanley.

The City boss said: "I think it was strange for him at first to be playing a different way but I thought he was better against Accrington. He's still got a bit to do because he's only a kid but he's energetic and a grafter who can cause problems with his pace and appetite.

"Defenders at this level don't like players who are always nagging at them. We are just trying to blend him in with Andy Bishop."

About the test Gravesend, unbeaten in three Conference fixtures, will present, McEwan added: "It will be tough and not unlike Tamworth. They are a physical side but will play a little bit more."

Updated: 09:57 Friday, April 01, 2005