York City have called time on Peter Duffield's hopes of playing again this season.

The ace marksman had harboured hopes of a reserve team outing before the season's end after a sooner than expected return to training.

However, after consultation with medical experts the club have now decided the former Darlington striker, who is recovering from a double fracture of his right leg, should concentrate on being right for next season.

Duffield himself has few complaints with the decision.

"They have told me they don't want me to play again this season and it is fair enough, at least I know where I stand now," he said.

"It is a sensible decision and perhaps it is better leaving it.

"It means the leg will be even stronger come July and the start of pre-season and it is really a case of better safe than sorry."

Duffield insisted the news, while disappointing, was not a set-back and everyone remained delighted with his progress.

He added: "It was always going to be an uphill battle and try to get fit and I must admit I wanted to get a game in before the end of the season.

"But I am not too disappointed because I never put myself under any undue pressure or set myself any definite target.

"The most important thing is to get fit. I am getting stronger by the day but unfortunately, football wise time has run out for me.

"I've trained twice this week and my legs are very heavy and if I played a game now I might well have pulled something.

"The only disappointment is it will be a long time until I get back fully into it."

Duffield said he took solace in the fact he had at least returned to training with his team mates after seven frustrating months on the sidelines.

"It is nice to be out of the physio room to be honest," he said.

"Jeff (Miller - the City physio) has done a good job and has now passed me back to the footballing side of things.

"When I trained for the first time it was like being a school kid again.

"It was such a nice feeling to put on some new boots and do the warm up with the lads.

"You miss out on a lot of the banter so it was nice to be back."

With the chance of a competitive game ruled out, Duffield is now gearing himself up for his one remaining hurdle - being tackled.

"I can do just about everything else - running, shooting and crossing the ball but I am still not 100 per cent right just yet.

"No one is allowed to tackle me although they do nip in and get the ball or give me the odd shoulder barge.

"But I am simply enjoying training. After such a long time out it is just nice to be involved."

Updated: 10:54 Wednesday, April 11, 2001