IN-FORM striker Michael Rankine reckons York City should be “fearless” as they look to reach the FA Cup third round for the first time since 2001/2.

Rankine acknowledges that a trip to Blue Square Premier rivals Cambridge United is a tough tie, but adds that the Minstermen should be confident of progress after five straight victories.

Conversely, Cambridge have only won two of their last ten league matches and Rankine, pictured above, is optimistic of making tomorrow’s draw when the winners of today’s Abbey Stadium second round tie will join the country’s finest in the pot for round three.

He said: “I think we have a great chance of getting through. We are looking solid and scoring goals.

“We might have only won 1-0 in our last three games, but the ability to do that can get you promoted sometimes. Cambridge is a tough draw because they are in the same league as us and have always done well in the last few seasons, but we have got to go there fearless.

“They will be wary of us because we have been doing well and we are third in the table now. If we do what we are capable of, we can beat any team in our division so, hopefully, we can get through then watch the draw to see who we get tomorrow.”

Rankine is currently competing for two striking places with 17-goal leading marksman Richard Brodie and £55,000 summer signing Michael Gash, who returned to the starting line-up for Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Gateshead after seven weeks sidelined with a foot injury.

England ‘C’ international Brodie, missing against Gateshead due to suspension, is set to return at the Abbey Stadium and partner Rankine, who is in no mood to surrender his place.

The 24-year-old forward said: “We’ve got good competition so my game has to step up again. At the start of the season, my standards slipped and Michael Gash came in.

“I had to then wait for another turn and, unfortunately for him, he got injured but I’m not going to give my shirt up and lose my place now.”

Rankine has also thanked City’s management team of Martin Foyle and Andy Porter for saving him from becoming a footballing robot, following his £10,000 summer arrival from Rushden.

He added: “I feel wanted by them because they are working on my game and giving me the confidence I need.

“At previous clubs, I felt I couldn’t express myself and I was playing like a robot.

“I feel I have more to give than just flicking the ball on.

“I can be effective doing that, but I can do more and with the right coaching and encouragement, which I am receiving now, I can do that with York City.”