YORK City striker Barry Conlon is staying with Second Division Colchester United on a long-term loan, it was confirmed this afternoon.

City chief Terry Dolan said he had agreed to let the 22-year-old extend his initial one-month Layer Road loan deal until the end of the season.

It is a similar agreement to the one that saw Bradford City's Mark Bower arrive at Bootham Crescent from Valley Parade last month.

The benefits for City is that it removes Conlon from the wage bill and keeps the Irish Under-21 international in the shop window should other clubs show an interest.

Colchester can also make the move permanent at anytime should Conlon prove his worth, although under the terms of the deal City are unable to recall the player.