INJURED York City stalwart Wayne Hall has pencilled in his keenly awaited testimonial tussle with Premiership giants Middlesbrough as the first match of his comeback trail.
The 31-year-old is Bootham Crescent's only long-term injury victim, having undergone an operation to ease a nagging heel injury in March.
Speaking to the Evening Press, Hall admitted the pre-season match with Bryan Robson's Middlesbrough on July 19 offered him the perfect fillip as he works his way back to match fitness.
It could also provide Hall, whose contract runs out at the end of the current campaign, his chance to prove his fitness to City boss Terry Dolan.
Hall, who last featured for City on February 5, has now had the pot removed and stitches taken out after surgery detached a troublesome tendon in his heel.
"I see the specialist again on April 25 and hopefully he will then give me the okay to start running. I should be fit for the middle of June and the match with Middlesbrough," insisted the seasoned-campaigner.
"I just want to get myself fit and then I can sit down and talk to the manager and discuss a contract.
"He has told me all I have got to do is prove my fitness."
Hall revealed City midfielder Steve Agnew played a prominent role in securing Middlesbrough's services.
"A few feelers were put out with other clubs but Steve knows Bryan Robson and Gordon McQueen and they have agreed to come.
"They are going to be bringing a full-strength squad so I am just keeping my fingers crossed a for a big crowd."
City's pre-season match with reigning European champions Manchester United on Saturday, July 29, was another goal to aim for, said Hall.
York City reserves were beaten 2-0 in their penultimate Pontin's League division one match against table-toppers Rotherham United.
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