STEVE WATSON is considering sending some of York City's younger players out on loan, he confirmed on Thursday.

He mentioned the names of Josh King, his fellow centre-back Harry Spratt and goalkeeper Ryan Whitley, who have all seen their opportunities limited this season, but are all seen as having a future at York City.

The former pair have made seven National League North appearances between them this term, deputising for both captain Steve McNulty and right-sided defender Joe Tait at different points.

Whitley has had a tougher time of it, with summer recruit Pete Jameson playing between the sticks for all but two FA Cup games and the North Riding County FA Senior Cup first round.

Watson said: "We're thinking of sending a couple of the younger players out to get some football in, people like Harry (Spratt), (Josh) Kingy, maybe even Ryan (Whitley).

"Ryan's such a good keeper, it would be a shame if he spends the season only playing two or three games.

"We just need to make sure it's right for us and we've got the call-back clause if we need it.

"If we can do that, we'll probably send Ryan out to get some games under his belt, probably send Harry out first, and then maybe, if Josh isn't in the side when Harry gets back, maybe Josh for a month.

"These are all players we think have got a future at York."

Jake Wright has re-joined Boston United on loan until the end of the season. He will not be allowed to play against York, nor can City recall him.

Tom Allan has also returned from his loan at Farsley Celtic, who are interested in taking him back "albeit on a slightly different deal to the last one" said Watson.

"It was a completely mutual decision," Watson said of Wright's return to the Pilgrims. "He wanted to go back. I couldn't guarantee him football.

"I said to him, 'If you want to come back to York I'll give you the same chance as I'll give anybody. But you have to prove it in training every day, and when you get a chance, take it'.

"His preference was to stay at Boston. He wanted it done quickly because they had a game on Tuesday.

"Me, Micky and Buster decided that was the way we would go.

"He's probably spent three months injured with a bad hamstring injury. Boston took him and held up their side of the bargain, so fair play to them how they've conducted themselves."

As well as praise for his younger players, Watson also had good words for one of the more experienced members of the team, Andy Bond.

The 33-year-old has been kept out of the side for the last three games by the ever-improving Kieran Green, who Watson has been impressed with since he replaced Bond at half-time during the Darlington defeat.

Watson has no complaints about Bond's attitude, when it could have been easy for the midfielder to show a less positive outlook.

"He's done very little wrong," the manager said.

"Obviously no player's happy when they're left out of the side but - without being patronising to him - he's been fantastic around the place.

"A lot of guys at his stage of their career can be sulky but Bondy's been fantastic.

"I've no doubt he will get another chance, he'll get that chance and keep it."