ON-LOAN striker Ashley Chambers has admitted he is crestfallen to be missing York City’s FA Cup replay with Rotherham United tomorrow night.

But the Leicester City reserve will be willing his new team-mates to victory as Gary Mills’ men look to set up a November 27 second round tie at Darlington that he would be able to play in.

Chambers, 20, made a big impression during his debut in Sunday’s 1-1 home draw with Wrexham, winning the penalty that Michael Rankine converted to earn the Minstermen a point.

Having signed for City after the date of the original tie with Rotherham, which ended in a 0-0 draw, Chambers is ineligible to face the Millers, however, along with fellow new boy Robbie Weir.

But the former England under-19 international would relish a chance to help fire City into the world-famous third round of the competition.

He said: “It’s really disappointing because you’ve just got going and then you have to stop for a little bit. I thought after just one training session, me and Robbie both fitted in quite well and you want the games to be coming thick and fast.

“I’m sure the lads will be giving it their best shot though and maybe then I’ll have a shout of playing in the next round.”

After his promising first match, City supporters will be encouraged that Chambers is keen to continue impressing during his loan stay, which is currently due to expire in January.

He has also intimated that he would not rule out a permanent switch, predicting that the arrival of former England chief Sven-Goran Eriksson might see him fall further down the pecking order at the Walkers Stadium.

He said: “I’m hoping to get experience of playing week in, week out on Saturdays and Tuesdays because I’ve not done that in my career so it will be good for me. I’m out of contract at Leicester next summer and I feel my career lies away from there now.

“I haven’t dealt with Sven-Goran Eriksson directly since he came to the club because I’ve been training with the reserves but he’s a high-calibre manager and, with the pulling power he’s got, I think it will be hard for any youngsters coming through the ranks.

“I’m playing for my future really, whether that’s with York City if they are happy with me or elsewhere, although I’m not really looking that far ahead yet.”

Having spent loan spells in League Two with Wycombe and Grimsby last season, Chambers admitted he was apprehensive about dropping down to the highest tier of non-League football but those doubts were quashed by City’s performance on Sunday.

He added: “People tell you Conference football is about kicking the ball long but we tried to get the ball down and play football, which is encouraging. I’ve spoken to friends and told them that if the quality is like that every week, it will be good experience and make me a better player.

“When Leicester’s reserve manager told me about York’s interest, I made a few calls to get some advice. I would have liked to have gone to a Football League club, but I now know that this division is not that far away from League Two and I’m happy to have made the move.”

Chambers played on the left and right of a three-pronged strike-force against Wrexham before being asked to play a more central role alongside Rankine.

He added: “With my size, I’m more of a striker that likes to run in behind defences off a big striker so I think that partnership with Michael Rankine could work. But, if the manager likes to play differently, I’m more than happy to play wide and cause problems from there.

“It can be difficult for defenders if you are able to move from one role to another during games and it also makes you think more.”

Reports in Wales, meanwhile, revealed that City have had a five-figure bid for Bangor City forward Jamie Reed rejected.