DAVID Mirfin is unlikely to play again for York City this season before deciding whether his future lies outside of the game over the summer.

The 34-year-old, on-loan Mansfield defender spent 14 months on the sidelines prior to joining the Minstermen in February following a knee operation that required him to learn how to walk again.

Mirfin subsequently won The Press Player of the Month award for his performances during his first four weeks at the club, as he was a key component of a team that racked up four straight wins and conceded just two goals in five fixtures.

But the same previously-injured knee become badly inflamed over the past ten days, causing the ex-Championship campaigner to miss the Minstermen’s last two matches, leading Watson to point out: “His knee has swollen right up, which happens with long-term knee injuries at times.

“In all honesty, I’d be surprised if we see him on the pitch at Bootham again this season and the most important thing for him is to get himself right and prepare for life after football if that’s the case. He made a real difference to us when he came in, but the important thing is he gets everything assessed properly and, then, he can address things over the summer.”

With City having gone five away contests unbeaten but lost three of the last six on their own soil, meanwhile, Watson is calling on his team to sign off at Bootham Crescent in winning fashion.

The Minstermen host Southport this weekend and entertain Spennymoor on Good Friday before closing the regular campaign in front of their own fans against Telford on April 27.

Outlining his desire to address the discrepancy between home and away form, Watson reasoned: “Every game is really important and has to be looked at the same. I want a great end to this season at Bootham and to take that into next season to start well with a different looking squad, style of play and mentality.”

Jake Wright will be back in contention against Southport, having returned from his loan spell at Boston.