A CONFIDENT John Askey believes that York City "could not go into the game in any better shape" as they prepare to travel to Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday (3pm).

York travel to fifth-placed Kidderminster with four previously unavailable players returning to the fold. Scott Barrow and Remy Longdon are in line for returns after missing the FA Trophy win over Slough Town through coronavirus.

Jack McKay is also available again, having been cup tied last week, while Matty Brown's three-match suspension is now completed.

Paddy McLaughlin is the only concern after missing training today (Thursday), athough it is hoped he will train tomorrow (Friday).

City also head into the game on the back of three straight victories and five wins from their last seven matches.

"Obviously we come into the Kidderminster game positive because we’ve had some good results," said interim manager Askey.

“Every game that we play, it’s important that we get a result, it doesn’t matter who we’re playing. I think you can feel, especially playing at home, that the supporters are getting behind us.

“The only way that we can maintain that is by winning games. That’s why it’s important that we get a result.

"We couldn’t go into the game in any better shape. The players are playing well, training well and hopefully we can put in a good performance.”

At present, York have beaten just one of the Vanarama National League North's top nine, sixth-placed Southport, who were then on a run of six games without a league win.

“What has gone on before is completely different," said the City boss, whose side are three points adrift of the play-offs in 13th. "We’re a different team than (the one that) has played these games before.

“I believe that if we can play how we can play, with the players that we’ve got now, with more pace in the team, then we’re more than capable of matching anybody in this league.

“Time will tell but I’m sure that the players believe they can (win) and I believe they can.”