Source: FOOTYMAD
Mansfield Town v York City
New midfield signing Paul Harsley is likely to be thrown straight into action as York City travel to promotion rivals Mansfield Town on Tuesday evening. The 31-year-old only arrived on loan from Chesterfield on Friday, and made his York debut as a second-half substitute at Altrincham twenty-four hours later. However, York are already without Alex Lawless (hamstring), Chris Carruthers (ankle), Levi Mackin (suspended) and Neil Barrett (hamstring), while a couple of unnamed players are reported as being affected by a sickness bug. Therefore Harsley (right) is likely to be given the nod, even though he has only played three full games during the past fifteen months.“He can play 90 minutes – no problem. He’s played in the Football League for his whole career and I saw him play a reserve match two weeks ago," manager Martin Foyle told The Press.“There’s no issue with his fitness at all and he’s also a versatile player who can play in an advanced midfield role.” Defender Davis McGurk could be available after missing the last couple of games with a knee problem, although Foyle may be tempted to keep things unchanged at the back.“Whoever we have played defensively over the last three of four months, it hasn’t hampered us,” he added.The York boss has been busily trying to add to his squad in a bid to reverse their recent fortunes, but has so far only managed to recruit Harsley on loan until the end of the season. “I had two lined up, but they’d rather sit on their backsides and play for the reserves,” he commented. Mansfield should have skipper and former York loanee Luke Foster fit after limping off at the weekend. Another one-time City loan player, striker Jon Shaw, is also likely to play after scoring three times in seven appearances since arriving from Rochdale.Fellow forward Jake Speight may also be involved after recovering from a knee problem, but midfielder Jon Challinor is rated doubtful with injury. However, on loan Luton Town winger Andy Burgess could return from illness.The Stags are currently unbeaten in five games, although that didn't stop their fans booing them off the pitch immediately following the weekend 0-0 draw with Tamworth.“I would rather they didn’t turn up and we played in front of one man if that’s how they’re going to be.” reacted Burgess.
