JOHN ASKEY has called for York City's non-selected players to be "patient" and wait for their chances at a starting spot.

York showcased their squad depth in Saturday's 2-0 home win over Woking on the opening day of the Vanarama National League season.

Even with central midfielders Paddy McLaughlin and Gus Mafuta out injured, summer recruits Ryan Fallowfield, Sam Sanders, AJ Greaves and Manny Duku were unable to make City's starting 11 or substitutes bench, highlighting the side's strength in depth.

“Just be patient," was manager Askey's message to those not included against Woking.

"There’ll be times where everybody gets their chance, but when they get that chance, they have to make sure they stay in the team.

"It’s not me who picks the team, it’s them.

"If we keep winning, then it’s just a matter of waiting until someone gets injured.”

Following promotion through the National League North play-offs last season, Askey has been busy rebuilding his squad to cope with the demands of playing in the fifth tier, City's first term at this level in five years.

In all, 16 new signings have arrived at the LNER Community Stadium over the off-summer, although Askey chose to field six of last season's players in his starting 11 at the weekend.

“I thought it was important to be loyal to them, but I think other than Ducky, the majority of them weren’t here at the start of last season, the likes of Maxim Kouogun and Lenell John-Lewis.

"When they played, we didn’t lose many games. Winning is a habit, as we all know, but I thought it was important that we stuck with those lads, because they’re the ones who got us here.”