MICKY CUMMINS has lauded York City striker Clayton Donaldson as a "testament to his profession".

Donaldson forged himself fan-favourite status with the Minstermen between 2005 and 2007 before he moved on to Scottish Premier League side Hibs.

Stints with six other clubs, including Championship outfit Birmingham City, followed over the next 13 years.

He returned to the Minster city in the summer as a 37-year-old to much anticipation - and he has not disappointed, celebrating his 50th goal for the club at the weekend in the 2-1 win at Darlington.

Still a hard-working attacker, Donaldson's influence goes beyond the impact he has on the pitch, Cummins says.

“He’s a testament to his profession," he commented.

“He does everything right, he prepares right, he looks after himself properly and we’re getting the benefits of that.

“We like to think we’re returning the favour by giving him 90 minutes. He’s wanted to stay on, get the goals and lead the line.

“For the young lads around the place, it’s someone they can learn from as well."

Donaldson scored both goals in the victory at Blackwell Meadows. He poked home the first before pulling off an audacious Panenka penalty kick, leaving Quakers keeper Tommy Taylor sprawled on the floor as the ball gently looped into the net in front of the travelling fans.

“I thought he was going to change his mind and go the other way," Cummins said.

“Teams watch each other and when teams get penalties against us, we like to think we know which way the taker’s going to go.

“I thought it was quite brave. But he’s been scoring goals for 20 years. He’s confident.

"He could have come away with the match ball.

"He probably had a disallowed goal that was onside and he had a couple of other opportunities as well."