CLAYTON Donaldson is expecting a tough battle if he is pitched against former York City team-mates David McGurk and Daniel Parslow at Bootham Crescent this afternoon (3pm).

FA Cup first round visitors Crewe are likely to name Donaldson, who is two games into a comeback from a broken leg, on the bench but it would be a surprise if he played no part in today’s tie.

Donaldson, who scored 44 goals in two seasons with the Minstermen, revealed McGurk had already inquired by text as to whether the ex-Hibernian striker would be facing his old club.

With Djoumin Sangare ruled out due to a groin injury, McGurk and Parslow are expected to line up in the centre of defence together for City and, should he start or climb off the bench, Donaldson believes he won’t be in for an easy ride, saying: “Both Dave McGurk and Dan Parslow are tough to play against – even in training. They are great defenders and very physical, and it will be a good battle if I’m selected.”

Donaldson added he has been surprised by City’s bottom-half finishes during the last two terms, but is expecting to come up against an improved squad today.

He said: “I have been a bit surprised that the club have struggled a bit during the last two seasons as they are always looking to push on. They spent a bit of money after I left and have done so again this summer.

“I always keep an eye on their progress and they’re not doing too badly this season.

“I wish them all the best and hope they go up because they are a sleeping giant in non-League football and deserve to get promoted.”

Donaldson also did not see former manager Billy McEwan’s sacking coming just six months after his departure for Scotland and the 2007 play-off semi-final defeat at Morecambe.

He said: “I was very shocked as Billy did tremendously well at York. He did not have that many players when he came to the club and we ended up getting to the play-offs after he threw us all together.

“He did a lot for the club and his sacking seemed a bit unfair, but that’s football. He helped me and he still keeps in touch.”

Ever since Donaldson left City, speculation has been rife he could return to on loan but the 25-year-old forward insists that proposition has never been put to him.

He said: “I heard about that and one of the York players texted me to see if I was coming back, but I never heard anything from my agent or any manager.”

• York City have signed defender Luke Graham from Mansfield on a month’s loan.