YORK City are not far away from being able to field a full-strength back line again after hearing good news about Scott Barrow.

The left-back's Achilles injury, sustained in pre-season against Middlesbrough, is not as bad as first feared and he is expected to return in just over a month's time.

Fellow full-back Michael Duckworth is on the mend after missing the last two games and is due to return to the side for Saturday's game at home to Hereford (3pm), while centre-back Josh King has had another week of training after being included in the squad against Farsley Celtic at the weekend.

Up front, things are looking rosy with the front three all having scored in the last two games and returning striker Jason Gilchrist on top goalscoring form in the week.

Clayton Donaldson did not train on Thursday because of an Achilles niggle but he was expected to be back at Wigginton Road on Friday.

“We had a practice match on Monday where Gillie scored five in a 5-2 win," assistant manager Micky Cummins said. "He’s looking sharp and chomping at the bit.

“Playing at home, it’s a lovely surface, we attack a lot and make a lot of entries into the attacking third.

“It’s another Saturday at home, hopefully get a good crowd in, get them on side, and shore things up at the back.

“We’ve got Ducky back this weekend. Kingy’s had another week of training under his belt so we’re getting players back in that area.

“It’s looking good.

“(Barrow) is healing nicely. There’s still some tissue torn away but we’re expecting him back between the middle and end of October."