York City manager Terry Dolan has reached agreement with Stoke City to keep in-form striker Chris Iwelumo at Bootham Crescent until the middle of February.

Iwelumo's second month-long loan deal is not due to end until January 9, but Dolan has moved quickly to extend Iwelumo's temporary stay after failing in a bid to keep the giant striker until the end of the season.

After scoring two goals in his last three outings, including a superb winner against Macclesfield on Boxing Day, the Scottish-born striker has found his feet at City.

His form had prompted Dolan to try and set up a similar season-long loan agreement with Stoke that has secured Mark Bower's services from Premier League Bradford City for the remainder of the current campaign.

Under Football League rules, a club can enjoy two extended loan deals for players under the age of 23 provided they are sealed before December 31, hence Dolan's desire to move quickly to sort out Iwelumo's future.

While having his hopes dashed at keeping Iwelumo for longer, Dolan said he was delighted to have him for a third month.

"He is getting used to everybody else now and I am pleased with the way he is improving," said the City chief.

"I was hoping we would be able to keep him for the rest of the season, but Stoke don't want to commit themselves, although they have no objections to him staying a third month."

Meanwhile, the former troubled City star Martin Garratt could make a surprise debut for Division Three rivals Lincoln City tomorrow.

The 20-year-old has agreed to join the Imps on a month-long trial from League of Ireland club St Patrick's, where he has struggled to hold down a regular first team place.

Lincoln, bereft of cover on the left, were today trying to rush through the necessary paperwork in time for Garratt to make his debut against Halifax.

Garratt, once valued at £1million, was sacked by City in February after a series of undisclosed off-field problems.

He spent the end of last season at Mansfield Town, but failed to earn a contract at Field Mill and joined St Patrick's in the summer.