YORK City manager Martin Foyle paid tribute to centre-backs Daniel Parslow and Shaun Pejic after last night’s 0-0 home draw with play-off contenders Kettering.

Pejic has now enjoyed five clean sheets playing alongside Parslow in eight games since his loan move from Wrexham.

The pair’s instant understanding has meant David McGurk – an automatic choice for four seasons at the club – has been unable to win back his place since returning from a calf injury.

While hailing Parslow and Pejic last night however, Foyle also praised the patience of McGurk, who could be given a chance at right-back depending on Ben Purkiss’ fitness ahead of Saturday’s home match with Kidderminster.

Foyle said: “If you build from the back, you give yourself a chance and I thought our two centre-backs were outstanding again last night.

“They are winning everything and have pace to go with that as well.

“David McGurk is unlucky to be out of the side but he is holding his hands up because he knows how well those two are playing.

“David is a good pro who will fight to get back in the side and, if Ben is struggling with an injury again on Saturday, I would have no hesitation in bringing him in at right-back.”

A strong defensive display from City meant goalkeeper Michael Ingham was only called into action twice during the closing stages of last night’s match.

At the other end, Adam Boyes went the closest to claiming all three points when he rattled the crossbar early in the second half.

Foyle, though, declared himself satisfied with a share of the spoils.

He said: “I’m pleased with a clean sheet and we are six games unbeaten now.

“It was a very hard-earned point because they are a side who I think will be in the play-offs so the players should not be embarassed by 0-0.

“They have a very solid back four and a tight midfield and, while we were gutsy without being spectacular, we had a couple of good chances to win as well.”

Midfielder Simon Rusk was withdrawn after an hour of last night’s match with the City chief adding: “He’s got a bit of a sore ankle but if he’s not fit then we have got other people on the bench who are champing at the bit to get involved.”

The Minstermen are now one point above the drop zone and moved above Barrow into 18th.

Relegation rivals Grays drew at Torquay 1-1 and Ebbsfleet lost 1-0 at Salisbury.