YORK City have announced two attacking loan arrivals in Jason Gilchrist and Gabby McGill.

Gilchrist joins from South Shields on an initial month's loan and McGill comes in until the end of the season after 18 months with Dunfermline Athletic.

Both are available for selection in Saturday's National League North game at AFC Telford United, subject to FA and National League approval.

Gilchrist, who has enjoyed profitable spells at Step 2 with FC United of Manchester and Southport, caught the eye in South Tyneside this season, scoring six goals in nine appearances for the Mariners, on top of a goal against City in pre-season.

The 20-year-old McGill was previously on the books of the York City academy before Championship side Middlesbrough secured his services for a fee in 2017. He went on to score 16 goals in 19 appearances in the Under-18 Premier League, including four goals against Manchester United.

He trained with Steve Watson and the first team at Wigginton Road in July before the season continued.

Gilchrist said: “Once I found out that York were interested, I was really excited.

“I would probably describe myself as a little bit of a 'fox in the box' striker. obviously I’m always looking for those little movements in and around the box and trying to get on the end of it and just trying to get as many goals as I can.

“Coming in as a striker, you are always expected to try and score goals and people look at your goalscoring record. It’s good if I can come in, do well and contribute with the goals and try and get a couple of assists as well.”

McGill said: “I’ve been supporting the club ever since I was really little. My first game was when I was about three weeks old to be honest – growing with York City and I’m really buzzing to be back.

“I was pushing for (the move) really, I couldn’t wait to get down and I can’t wait to get started.

“I’m an out-and-out striker definitely, I can play in that false nine position or up front by myself and can also hold up the ball.

“For me personally it’s just trying to get in that team and making sure I stay there. The only thing I can do as a striker is make sure that ball goes in the back of the net. That’s the goal and objective really.”

Manager Steve Watson said of Gilchrist: “Unfortunately, all the leagues below have stopped now so it is beneficial to those (players) to go and play some games on loan and get some football in.

“We’ve dominated a lot of games but, as yet, we’ve not really put the ball in the back of the net as much as our build-up play has deserved so we’ve just been looking for that out and out goal scorer.

“I spoke to Graeme Fenton (South Shields manager) last week and I mentioned Jason because he is very well-known in our leagues and scored goals wherever he has been.

“The situation has worked out well for us because initially it’s going to be a month but there’s the potential for it to be more than that. It suits Shields because they will know by then exactly what is happening with their league and it gives the lad and us a chance to see if it works.”

He continued, adding about McGill: “I know he would be a very good one because I’ve had players from Middlesbrough before. Unlike some young players he is hardened to the physicality to this type of football so that part of it won’t be an issue for him.

“I was aware in the summer we didn’t have a lot of local boys in. Gabby is born and bred York and knows better than most what it means – he’s lived through some ups and some downs and he knows all about it.

“The great thing about Gabby’s mentality is that he is dying to play for York, willing to roll his sleeves up and crack on and that’ll do for me. He has nothing more on his mind than to help us and help the club gain the success that we all crave – that tells its own story I think.”