YORK City manager Jackie McNamara has revealed that Richard Brodie is covering more ground than last season’s strikers despite still being short of match fitness.

Brodie has made the starting line up for the first time since his summer return to the club during the last two matches and responded with a goal in each game.

But it is the former Newcastle Benfield forward’s running stats that have impressed McNamara just as much.

The City boss said: “He’s still got a bit to go fitness wise and, in pre-season, one or two people might have felt he was past his best with his body shape and movement, but he had ran 10.5km when we took him off at Forest Green and it’s been a while since one of our strikers has covered that distance in a game.

“That shows you what this means to him. The opposition fans are booing him all the time, but it’s a compliment to his ability because they regard him as a threat.”

The Minstermen faithful will need to wait a little longer, though, for another former Bootham Crescent favourite Lanre Oyebanjo to kick off his second spell at the club.

Oyebanjo is still being troubled by a calf problem and McNamara added: “Lanre is still feeling a little niggle, which is very, very frustrating for him, because he’s desperate to play and do well.

“He’s another good option in a couple of different positions with his energy and strength but, hopefully, he won’t be too much longer, because he’s got a big part to play this season.”

Danny Galbraith (heel) also remains unavailable, although Reece Thompson has returned to full training following his stomach problem, whilst Alex Whittle (groin) and Jack Higgins (ankle) should feature against Woking on Saturday after missing Wigginton Road sessions this week.

With Simon Heslop serving a one-match ban, meanwhile, following his red card at Forest Green, Clovis Kamdjo will be called upon again after being replaced at half-time against Gateshead and starting as a substitute last weekend.

On the reason for dropping Kamdjo, McNamara added: “I thought he looked a little leggy and could have done things faster by taking just one or two touches at times, but I like him. He’s strong, reads the game well and gets in good positions so, if we can get him that bit sharper, he will be a really good player for us.”

McNamara went on to admit that the Woking game was an “important” one for himself to demonstrate that the Gateshead debacle was a blip and the unlucky Forest Green defeat was more indicative of his squad’s ability.

“Woking are very direct, so it is important we are switched on at the back and use the ball properly in midfield,” he reasoned. “It’s an important game for all of us – myself and the players.

“We’re unbeaten at home and should have won both games without playing anywhere near our best. I want to now show our fans how we played for large spells at Forest Green.

“Our keeper only touched the ball five times in the first half and I was pleased with the response I got after Gateshead. If we keep playing like that, we will do well.”