DAVID Knight has declared he is “up for the fight” as he battles to wrench the York City goalkeeper’s shirt away from captain Michael Ingham.

Knight, who has arrived at Bootham Crescent on a season-long loan from Histon, has caught the eye during pre-season and believes he has the skills to be the Minstermen’s man between the sticks.

The 23-year-old former Middlesbrough and Darlington player said: “I need to work hard and obviously it is going to be tough competition with Michael there. But I am up for the fight. He is a very experienced goalkeeper but I am up for the challenge.

“I have got to get my head down, work hard and, if I am selected, I have got to play well, try to do my best and hopefully stay in the team.”

Knight, who had only joined Histon in February and comes to York in the midst of a financial crisis for the Cambridgeshire-based club, made a couple of good saves from Scunthorpe’s Jonathan Forte in City’s 1-0 friendly victory at Bootham Crescent and reckons he has “done pretty well” in his early opportunities.

“I am pleased,” he added. “I need to keep that up and be consistent. The first save you make gives you a bit of a lift and much of it is down to concentration.

“Shot-stopping is a strength of mine and my kick is all right.

“I am still young and still need to work on things. That will come with the more games I play.”

Knight added he has been impressed with City’s squad, particularly their depth in positions, and believes a return to the play-offs is the minimum the Minstermen should expect from the upcoming campaign.

“The lads are a great bunch,” he said. “There is a lot of competition between each other for places. There are a few players in each position and that is good.

“You have to aim for the same again if not automatic promotion.

“It is going to be tough because there are a few good teams in there but the main thing is that we get off to a good start. If we do that it helps.”