STEVE WATSON has said the loan signing of Kurt Willoughby "is a chance to get more firepower on the pitch".

The York City boss also mooted the idea of a very attacking-minded line-up when the Minstermen need the goals - but is prepared to exercise caution.

Along with Willoughby - whose month-long deal from Fylde could be extended - Dan Maguire is returning from injury and presents another fresh option for York.

The pair of them started York's game against Kettering Town with Jordan Burrow. By the end, Maguire had been replaced by Macaulay Langstaff and Alex Kempster came on for Steve McNulty, showcasing York's current numbers in attack.

"It's a chance to get more firepower on the pitch," Watson said. "There might be times when we're that desperate for the three points, we're starting with a back four and we could almost have a four with a holding midfield - Kempster, Willoughby, Green, Maguire and Jordan on the pitch, or at least four of them.

"It gives us that option, but the shape has to be right - you can't just throw forwards on the pitch and expect things to work out.

"At times on Saturday it looked a bit like that so we've had a chat this week about responsibilities with and without the ball."

Asked about new signings, he said: "Not at the moment. I think what we have with Kurt Willoughby was what we've been missing.

"We've been really impressed in training and we've seen glimpses of what he can do on Saturday.

"Dan's almost like having a new signing. If we can carry on this progression with his fitness and sharpness, it's almost like having two new strikers.

"Macaulay's getting better and better, when he comes on he always gets himself a chance.

"Kempster, it'll have done him the world of good being brought out for a game or two and I've no doubt he will pick up where he was earlier in the season.

"I think we're okay at the moment but we're always looking.

"The big thing is if we can seal Kurt's loan until the end of the season - but that's out of our hands. We've seen enough to know he's going to be a big threat for us."

Maguire featured for York in their North Riding County FA Senior Cup quarter-final win at Whitby Town on Tuesday night. He was substituted after 45 minutes, having scored a superb chipped effort.

"It was good news for more than the fact he's getting minutes under his belt," Watson said. "It's the fact that he responded well to Saturday and he wanted to play. He's making steps forward, which is great.

"He scored a good goal, he was a danger and Micky was really pleased with him.

"As were a lot of the other lads, in fairness. Nathan did very well, Josh King, Tom Allan, the three young lads in midfield. It was a really good game.

"When the senior players went off they got back into it.

"It was a good way for a young team to get into a semi-final.

"There were two good saves for Ryan (in the penalty shoot-out).

"I'm pleased Simon Heslop got 60 minutes under his belt. He's worked hard this season and it's been very frustrating for him.

"He's not our player anymore but we've worked with him all season and I think that will do him the world of good."

Meanwhile, Watson confirmed that keeper Ryan Whitley is close to agreeing a loan to South Shields.