RISING star of the Premiership Michael Proctor has spoken of the debt of gratitude he owes York City and insists the club must be saved from extinction.

The Sunderland ace enjoyed a highly successful loan spell at Bootham Crescent last season, grabbing 14 goals and earning widespread acclaim.

Proctor admittedhis time at City, and other loan spells at Halifax Town and Bradford, have played a fundamental part in his rise to Premiership prominence.

And as he wills City to pull through their current problems, the Black Cats' starlet underlined the important role small clubs like the Minstermen have in helping young players learn their trade.

Proctor said: "My time at York City was an important part of my development. I think a lot of players from bigger clubs have spent time on loan at smaller clubs and it has really helped.

"It certainly helped with my footballing education playing at York.

"I really enjoyed my time there and it was great for my career.

"It's fair to say without that time at York, and at Halifax and Bradford, I would probably not be where I am now.

"It helped me a lot. It was the first time in my career I was involved in the first-team squad for an extended period and I also got a lot of confidence from scoring goals, and I was fortunate to get a few at York."

Proctor said he was still in regular contact with many of the City squad, who are keeping him up to date with the latest developments at Bootham Crescent.

And the 22-year-old has even been to watch City in action twice this season, taking in the 2-1 defeat at Bury in September and the 0-0 draw at Hartlepool.

"Hopefully, something will be sorted out for the benefit of all concerned," said Proctor.

"The fans were great with me and I have a lot of good memories from my time at York."

While keeping a close eye on City's nightmare, Proctor admitted he is living his schoolboy dream after finally breaking through into the first team at the Stadium of Light.

"It's been a great season so far for me," he explained.

"I started the season on loan at Bradford and things were going well there.

"Obviously, a new manager came in at Sunderland (Howard Wilkinson replacing Peter Reid) and he stuck me in the team.

"I've scored a couple of goals and I'm just really enjoying it.

"I had those spells on loan at Halifax and York and it seems the hard work has paid off.

"I always wanted to come back to Sunderland and play here and I'm delighted it has finally happened.

"It has been a tough ride for me, but my time at Halifax, York and Bradford has helped my progress."

Updated: 12:21 Saturday, January 11, 2003