BACK on track Jon Parkin has revealed his admiration for boss Chris Brass to dispel once and for all rumours he was unsettled at York City.

Parkin was expected to be named in the first team squad for the trip to Mansfield after spending nearly all of the season so far on the sidelines.

Niggling injuries and illness has meant fan favourite Parkin has made just one appearance for City, and that as a second-half substitute at Lincoln in August.

In an on-line question and answer session with fans this week, City boss Brass scoffed at rumours that a bust-up with Parkin was the real reason for his absence from the first team.

Now Parkin, last season's top scorer, has contacted the Evening Press to also shoot-down the rumour mongers and pledge his allegiance to the Minstermen.

"It's been a really frustrating time to be out injured," he said.

"But I've still been made to feel a part of it. The gaffer has assembled a good set of lads and everyone is pulling together for each other.

"We all know what is at stake and even when your aren't playing you are rooting for the rest of the lads to get a win.

"It's obviously been a big change for all the players with a new manager coming in but it has been handled really well."

To emphasise his loyalty to Brass, Parkin, who can operate in defence or in attack, pledged he would play whereever his manager wanted.

"As long as I'm playing I don't mind where the manager wants me to play and I'm more than happy to play up front," he said.

"I just need to get myself fit and playing again."

Parkin, who scored on his return to reserve team action in midweek, has not set himself a goal target for the remainder of the campaign.

However, despite missing a quarter of the season Parkin sees no reason why he can't surpass last season's tally of 11 goals.

"I just need to get playing again and we'll see what happens," he said.

"But even though I've missed something like 12 games. If I can get going and get my place back I can't see why I can't get maybe 15 goals this season."

Updated: 10:17 Saturday, October 11, 2003