SCOTT Loach will keep his place in York City’s goal despite Kyle Letheren’s return to fitness.

The on-loan Notts County keeper has impressed in the Minstermen’s last two matches, which Letheren has missed due to a back spasms.

Letheren is due back in training tomorrow, but it is former England under-21 international Loach who will remain between the stick for Saturday’s home game against Braintree.

“With Kyle coming back in, it’s a nice situation to have, but Scott will be in goal,” Mills confirmed. “He’s been excellent since he came in, so he will be starting.”

Loach’s shot-stopping prowess has been clear in the 3-1 midweek victory at Macclesfield, as well as during the 1-0 defeat in Dagenham.

He also set up City’s first two goals at Moss Rose with long kicks forward and Mills added: “He kicks the ball well, which does make a difference.

“I’ve had keepers before who struggle to make the half-way line and that puts you under pressure.”

Skipper Simon Heslop will once more face a late fitness test after only lasting 45 minutes at Macclesfield due to a tight groin, with his replacement Danny Holmes on standby to start.

Yan Klukowski could be back in contention, meanwhile, although Lanre Oyebanjo and M att Fry will not be available with the latter suffering a setback in his recovery from medial ligament damage.

On the threat of Braintree, Mills said: “They’re a tough, honest side. I know the manager well and he’s got his players working hard and playing for each other.

“But I don’t think any team is working harder than us at the moment.”