YORK City boss Colin Walker is exploring how his side can play to on-loan striker Leo Fortune-West's strengths and how the veteran striker can learn to play to the team's strengths.

Fortune-West, 36, made a big impression on his City debut when he scored as a second-half substitute during the 2-0 home victory over Grays Athletic.

But the 6ft 4ins forward, who is cup-tied for tomorrow's FA Trophy quarter-final at former club Rushden and Diamonds, has struggled after starting City's last two games - the 2-2 draw at Halifax and Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Histon.

About possible reasons behind Fortune-West's recent displays, Walker said: "He hadn't started a game since January 1 and, after Saturday, I had a chat with him about how to find the right way of playing to him and he's also got to find a way of playing with us. He did very well as an impact player but maybe not so well starting a match, even though I felt he caused lots of problems at Halifax."

Should City beat Rushden tomorrow, Fortune-West will be unavailable for three of the next four matches.

His parent club Cambridge have requested he does not play in next Saturday's Abbey Stadium league clash between the clubs.

He would then be eligible for the midweek home match with Burton.

He would also have to sit out the two-legged semi-final Trophy tie, which would be held over successive Saturdays.

In Fortune-West's absence, joint 14-goal top scorers Craig Farrell and Onome Sodje are pressing for recalls at Nene Park and could start together depending on where Walker wants to field Martyn Woolford.

The City boss said: "I know which two will play up there, but I'm keeping them sweating. They have been training this week like they may see an opening for them and I want them to have that attitude right up to the game."