DUNDEE United forward Justin Johnson will get “people off their seats” at York City after agreeing a season-long loan stay at Bootham Crescent.

That is the opinion of City boss Jackie McNamara, who gave the 5ft 7in attacker a three-year deal in May 2015 during his previous job at Tannadice.

Johnson, who turned 20 on Saturday, is set to make his debut in Saturday’s National League home match against Solihull Moors with an excited McNamara saying: “He can play on the right, left or up front and he’s somebody who gets people off their seats with his pace and direct play.

“Like every player his age, there can be inconsistency in terms of blowing hot and cold but, when he is on his game, I don’t think there’s anybody who will live with him in this league. I didn’t work with him for too long but, when he was on it at under-20 level, he was incredible and he’ll take people on, which is what I want to see.”

Johnson was born in Holland and played for Sparta Rotterdam as a schoolboy before moving to England, where he had a spell on Manchester United’s books.

He went on to become a member of the Manchester College academy, whilst also featuring for FC United of Manchester’s youth team before being invited north of the border for a trial by McNamara.

The City chief subsequently handed him pro terms and, at 18, Johnson made his senior debut two days later, as part of a double substitution that also saw Aidan Connolly, who he has followed to Bootham Crescent, enter the fray against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

After McNamara had been relieved of his duties, Johnson made three further appearances in the Scottish Premier League last season and scored a goal against Partick.

But, this term, with the Tangerines plying their trade in the Scottish Championship, he has been limited to two substitute outings.

McNamara admitted, meanwhile, that Connolly’s successful transition from the Scottish Championship to National League football helped persuade him to pursue a move for Johnson.

“The way Aidan has handled things has pushed me towards bringing Justin in as well,” the City chief explained. “They are a bit different though.

“Because of his size, Aidan has to be clever and aware, whereas Justin is more about pace and power, which is what we’re crying out for.”