STEPHEN Thomas made an impressive debut at right-back for York City during Saturday's 3-1 victory at Exeter City and then admitted he had never played in the position, writes Dave Flett.

The former Darlington midfielder, who began his professional career nine years ago at Wrexham, was asked to play the unfamiliar role for the first time by City boss Billy McEwan when Hartlepool recalled Darren Craddock from his KitKat Crescent loan period.

And the ex-Wales under-21 international, who has played alongside Premiership star Simon Davies in his country's midfield, could have earned himself an extended run in defence with first-choice right-back Jamie Price only just taking his first tentative steps towards recovery from a hernia injury.

Thomas has signed for the Minstermen until the end of the season after agreeing a settlement over the remainder of his contract at Darlington during the transfer window and, about his defensive duties at St James Park, he said: "I've never played there but I have played right-wing back and it's not much different. In fact, it's probably easier to play as a full-back because you have a player in front of you.

"I enjoyed it and, even though I prefer midfield, I thought I did a decent job in a position that's not too familiar to me and it was a great team performance."

Following the permanent signing of Mark Convery and the loan arrival of David McGurk, Thomas is the latest Darlington player to join City, having been deemed surplus to requirements by manager David Hodgson at the League Two club.

Thomas is an admirer of both his former Darlington team-mates and, like Convery and McGurk, he is also hoping to become a City favourite.

Updated: 09:26 Monday, February 20, 2006