MICHAEL Potts has put his name forward in the contest to replace key midfielder Scott Kerr in York City’s starting line-up.

Vice-captain Kerr is expected to be out for a fortnight, subject to the results of a scan on his knee injury today.

Potts, 20, is a contender to fill the midfield anchorman role in his absence although Scott Brown replaced Kerr when he limped out of the action at Luton last weekend and also carried on in that position during Tuesday night’s 1-0 North Riding Senior Cup defeat to Middlesbrough.

Ex-Blackburn Rovers reserve Potts is yet to start a league match since his summer arrival at Bootham Crescent and has only made seven Blue Square Bet Premier substitute appearances.

But he insists he is ready if City manager Gary Mills calls on his services for Saturday’s home match with play-off rivals Southport.

Potts said: “Kerry is having a scan today and is one of our key men so we need him back but, hopefully, the gaffer might give me a chance.

“I played there growing up and have always played there.

“Browny was in that position on Tuesday night so maybe it will come down to me or him.

“But the manager also has the option of pushing Chris Smith in there and bringing Chris Doig back into defence so we will have to wait and see.”

Potts admitted that Kerr – ten years his senior – has acted as a mentor for the former Ewood Park apprentice during a difficult first term personally at Bootham Crescent.

He said: “Kerry’s definitely been a role model to me in terms of his talking and organising.

“He also drills it into you never to switch off or give up.

“He has a great attitude and is a top lad.”

Potts also added that he has taken inspiration from travel partner Daniel Parslow, who had only made one league start for City prior to Boxing Day.

He has since been an ever present in the Blue Square Bet Premier for the Minstermen, making the last nine starting line-ups, giving Potts hope that he can still make a telling contribution before the end of the campaign in May.

Potts said: “We got to Wembley on Saturday and it was a great feeling for the team and, when injuries come along, you never know when you might get a chance.

“I travel in with Pars every day and we talk a lot and meet up outside of football as well.

“I told him not to worry about being out of the team and that his opportunity would come. It has done and he’s done well.”

Potts, who is under contract at Bootham Crescent until the end of next season, went on to underline the value to himself of Tuesday night’s 90 minutes in the continued absence of organised reserve fixtures.

He said: “I try my best in training but you don’t want to injure the other lads.

“You just do what you can, as well as a bit extra, but it’s not the same as playing games.

“I was glad I got a game on Tuesday night and, hopefully, I can get a few more before the end of the season.”

Despite his lack of first-team opportunities, Potts, above right, also recognises the competition for midfield places in City’s squad with Erik Tonne even being forced to play at left-back in the County Cup final against Boro.

Paddy McLaughlin and Kerr have been mainstays in the middle of the park while, in recent matches, James Meredith has looked the strongest replacement for Andre Boucaud, who left for Luton in January.

“You cannot take anything away from the lads,” Potts added. “Paddy, Kerry, Boucs, when he was here, and Mezza have all been great for the gaffer.

“They have been given their chance and taken it. I just have to be patient.

“The gaffer says I am in his plans and I’ll just have to wait and see what happens in the future.”

• THE second leg of the Blue Square Bet Premier play-offs will be a television Bank Holiday double header, the league’s sponsors have announced.

The teams that finish third and fourth will play their concluding tie at 2pm on Monday, May 7, with the final match between the second and fifth-placed sides staged at 4.30pm.

The first legs will take place on consecutive nights, with fourth v third at 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 2 and fifth v second at 7.30pm on Thursday, May 3.

The final will be at Wembley on Sunday, May 20 at 3pm and will also be live on Premier Sports.