TOP scorer Jon Parkin is being earmarked for York City front-line duties again next season, the Evening Press can reveal.

The giant former Barnsley player bagged 11 goals last season even though he spent a large chunk of the campaign operating as a centre-back.

Many fans remain undecided as to Parkin's best position.

And new boss Chris Brass admits the player's ability to play in more than one position will be a major help as he is forced to operate with a first team squad of probably less than 20 next season.

However, the new City chief clearly believes Parkin's best position is up front and if circumstances allow the 21-year-old will be back plundering goals next season.

Brass confirmed: "Jon will have to be flexible because on his day and when he is fit he is good in a number of positions. But, primarily, we will be trying to use him as a striker."

He added: "Around Christmas period when we went on a good run and he was scoring a lot of goals he had a lot to offer as a striker.

"He is a young lad and it was his first full season and it is up to him to realise his full potential.

"He is a terrible handful for defenders and gained a lot of accolades last season from the supporters.

"I'm sure if he continues in the same form he will attract a lot of interest from other clubs.

"He missed Peter Duffield a bit when he left but for a big man he has very good feet.

"He is not really a natural target man as such, but he is a good footballer with a good football brain."

Given the need to have a much smaller squad next season, Brass is hoping to make contact with Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy soon.

City have a special relationship with Sunderland, which enables the Minstermen to sign Stadium of Light players on loan with the Black Cats continuing to pay their wages.

The agreement has reaped rich dividends for City in recent season, with the likes of Michael Proctor, Michael Reddy and Michael Ingham all arriving at Bootham Crescent and becoming important cogs in the squad.

Despite Sunderland's relegation from the Premiership and staff cut-backs, Black Cats supremo Bob Murray has already pledged his desire to continue the special relationship between the two clubs.

Brass is keen to foster the relationship too as he contemplates loan-signings to bolster his squad, although he admits the players Sunderland have to offer may well be younger than in recent seasons.

"They are cutting back on their squads so it may be younger players that will be available, whereas previously with the likes of Michael Ingham, Michael Reddy and Michael Proctor they have been 20-somethings.

"Players like that are more likely to be involved in Sunderland's first team now and it may be harder for them to release players to us.

"However, I'm sure there is still a great wealth of talent up there and they have just set up their Academy so there will be even more coming through.

"Fortunately for us we are in a good position to sign some of them."

City's first game under Brass and Lee Nogan will see the Minstermen tackle the Black Cats in a pre-season friendly at Bootham Crescent on July 16.

Updated: 10:30 Saturday, July 05, 2003