DETERMINED Peter Duffield put his foot down this week and took a significant step towards a full recovery.

The City striker underwent a crucial X-ray on his broken right leg on Tuesday and with the results proving positive, he was able to lose the cast the next day and walk with one rather than two crutches.

The former Darlington hitman had undergone surgery to pin his leg, with the X-ray checking whether the breaks to both his tibia and fibula were starting to heal.

He had admitted he was nervous about the results but was delighted with the outcome.

Speaking to the Evening Press, he said: "I had the X-ray and they're very pleased with it. I was able to lose one crutch on Wednesday and the pot also came off.

"I've got a fight on to get back, and it's up to (physio) Jeff Miller, the surgeon and especially myself to do it. It's feeling good and Mr Gibbon (the surgeon) is pleased with the way it's going.

"I will keep my body fit and it's just a case of waiting for the leg to catch up."

Duffield was already able to ride an exercise bike in his bid to maintain the muscle in his leg.

Light weights and ankle exercises are also part of his recovery programme, and the 31-year-old has stayed in close contact with City team-mates to maintain his morale, visiting the club at least three times a week to be put through his paces by Miller.

He has also been attending City's matches, including the trip to Lincoln on Tuesday, though he said watching the Minstermen in action had brought home to him just how long he is facing out of the game.

"It is very frustrating. I'm not bitter about it, I'm envious. You train a lot to keep fit and as a footballer you obviously want to play games.

"As a striker you kick every ball but you cannot do anything about it - it kills you. I do not know what is worse, sitting watching at home on Teletext or watching the game live but I know it is going to be a long season for me."

He also admitted he had gone through the full spectrum of emotions since suffering the injury.

"I've had some down-and-out moments but on the whole I am happy with how things are going. Everyone at the club has been great and supportive."

Duffield, meanwhile, has welcomed the arrival of strikers Alex Mathie and Neil Tarrant to York - even though he could end up in a future battle with them to lead the Minstermen attack.

But Duffield insisted his own fight for fitness was more pressing.

"I have got my own battle to contend with at the moment. Obviously, I want the team to do as well as possible but now I have got to be a little bit selfish and think of myself.