PATIENCE will be a virtue for up-and-coming York City midfielder Harrison Hopper, who made his first start for the club at the weekend.

And the 20-year-old was a hit during York's 2-0 FA Cup win over Whitby Town, receiving plaudits from all corners.

Hopper joined the Minstermen after being one of a number of bright performers over pre-season. That his games - Whitby aside - have been limited to four substitute appearances is testament to the settled and generally impressive York midfield that he is trying to break in to.

Manager Steve Watson has the experience of Akil Wright, Paddy McLaughlin and Michael Woods to call on, as well as sparky attackers Olly Dyson and Mackenzie Heaney.

So for Hopper, it will be a case of biding his time and making the most of opportunities when they come along.

"It's just about impressing when I get the chance," he said.

"We've got a really good squad and in my position, we've got some really good midfielders so I've just got to stay patient.

"The gaffer and Micky have been brilliant with me, and it's a long season, so hopefully I get a few more appearances in to show what I can do.

"There's a lot of experience in there. Aki, Paddy and Woodsy have been helping me a lot and giving me tips.

"Even during the (Whitby) game, Woodsy was helping me a lot."

Coming up next for City is a home National League North game against Southport on Saturday (3pm).

The Whitby win - which put them through to the final qualifying of the Cup where they will face lower-league Morpeth Town - was a necessary tonic after the bitter defeat against basement side Hereford last Tuesday.

And this weekend is a chance for York to rediscover some league form.

"We're looking forward to every game," Hopper said of the mood in the dressing room.

"The Hereford game was really disappointing but we have to move on from that, just forget about it, and focus on the game (on Saturday) which we won, just go one game at a time."