FANS' favourite Wayne Hall is planning to make life difficult for York City boss Terry Dolan.

The ever-reliable left-back has returned to training fighting fit after an operation at the end of last season to ease a niggling heel injury.

Now after being handed a three-month contract by the City chief with a year's extension should he prove his match fitness, Hall, who has yet to play under Dolan, is out to prove his worth..

The players line up today for the official team photograph and squad numbers released by manager Dolan gave an indication that Hall is facing stiff competition for a first team place.

Speaking to the Evening Press, the 31-year-old, who has been handed the number 14 shirt, said: "I have been injured a long time and hopefully over the next three months I can show the gaffer what I can do and he may give me more. But we will just have to wait and see.

"Everything seems to be fine with regards to the injury and I am joining in with all aspects of training.

"I went to see the specialist this week and he said if I felt twinges I should work through them."

Even if he does earn another year's contract, Hall admitted he faces a tough fight to reclaim his full-back berth following the arrival of Graham Potter from West Brom. Potter has been handed the No 3 shirt by Dolan.

But, according to Hall, that is how it should be.

"The gaffer has tried to get competition for every place and he has brought players in who will strengthen the squad and that can only be good for York City," he said.

"Competition in every position is what you need. Me and Graham will be battling for the left-side place and it is up to me to keep myself fit and prove to the gaffer that I am worth a place.

"That will be the same for Graham. It is the gaffer's decision and everyone in the squad will be trying to make it hard for him not to pick them."

Another incentive for Hall is his fast approaching testimonial match against Middlesbrough at Bootham Crescent on Tuesday, August 1.

With Boro boss Bryan Robson indicating he will be bringing a full strength squad, Bootham Crescent could find itself playing host to World Cup and Euro 2000 winner Christian Karembeu and Australian skipper Paul Okon.

French international Karembeu, 29, joined Boro from Real Madrid in midweek for £2.1million while Okon arrived from Italian Serie A side Fiorentina.

"I'm really looking forward to it," said Hall, seventh in the all-time City appearance record.

"It should be great for the fans to see a Premiership club with players who have played in the World Cup and Euro 2000. I watched Karembeu in the European Championship game against Holland. I remember thinking I wouldn't like to be chasing him about because he looked quite sharp but I could be up against him because while he can play anywhere I think he likes to play on the right."

Premiership referee Uriah Rennie will take charge of the game.

Ticket prices for the Middlesbrough match, which is not all all-ticket, are: £8 adults and £5 concessions (juniors and pensioners) for seats in the main, stand, family stand and enclosure.

PICTURE: BEST FOOT FORWARD: Wayne Hall, sporting a Middlesbrough shirt, gets in some speed training at Bootham Crescent