York City striker Barry Conlon has finally linked-up with Second Division Colchester United on a month's loan, it was confirmed today.

Minstermen assistant manager Adie Shaw revealed the former Irish Under-21- international had trained with the Layer Road club yesterday.

"It is with a view to a permanent deal but it depends on how Barry fares while he is there. It is up to him to impress them," explained Shaw.

As reported in the Evening Press last week, Colchester manager Steve Whitton had been tracking transfer-listed Conlon after a knee injury ruled out Reading loanee Keith Scott.

Whitton was given permission to talk to Conlon, City's top scorer last season, on Friday but the loan deal was only agreed yesterday.

Meanwhile, Shaw had arranged for the first team squad to train at RAF Linton-on-Ouse today after the club's Wigginton road training pitches were waterlogged.

Shaw was also making arrangements for the squad to undergo a fitness session at the Fitness First gymnasium at Clifton Moor.

"It will be at least a couple of days before we can get back on the training pitches, it would be more suitable for water polo at the moment," he said.

City have received a boost on the injury front with striker Alex Mathie successfully coming through a training run.

"He won't be far away for Saturday," said Shaw.

Darren Edmondson's calf strain, which ruled him out of last Saturday's trip to Cardiff, had also shown signs of easing in time for this weekend's visit of Torquay United.

"The next 48 hours are important for Darren," revealed Shaw. "Saturday might just be too soon, but we will wait and see.

"The rain obviously doesn't help matters and could hamper their return."

Meanwhile, midfield starlet's Christian Fox's return from a cartilage operation may take longer than expected.

The teenager had key-hole surgery on his knee last month and was expected to be out until mid-December.

However, Shaw confirmed today the operation may have revealed "other problems" that will be looked at by a specialist when the youngster goes to have his stitches removed in three weeks time.