Lost time is foremost in the mind of 'forgotten' York City ace Alan Pouton.

Alan Pouton

The vigorous midfielder has been out of the Bootham Crescent frame for more than three months, victim of a freak ankle injury in training.

Now Pouton wants to cram in as much senior success in the same time between now and the end of the season.

The next 15 weeks are hugely significant to the future of the dynamic midfielder, who on Monday celebrates his 22nd birthday.

His current contract comes up in the summer, Pouton revealing he is presently in the middle of talks over new terms.

But the paramount objective for the Geordie - rated City's prize asset before this season's honeypot interest in tyros Richard Cresswell and Martin Garratt - is simply to get his senior place back.

Said Pouton: "I've got do well in the reserves to get back in the first team and give the manager a selection problem.

"Then I've got to stay in the first team by playing well for York City. Everything will be taken from there when I do that."

The midfielder expected his promotion would not come tomorrow against Oldham, adding he would be 'happy' to be back on the bench as he was last week against Reading for his first senior action since starring in the 2-1 win at Blackpool back in October.

He managed the final ten minutes against the Royals and almost marked his comeback in sensational style with an improvised lob headed off the goal-line.

Pouton confessed however he felt 'so tired' after that brief appearance. While getting a taste after so long out he was more satisfied by his midweek reserves' run against Halifax in which he posted his first full 90 minutes.

"I need to get that match fitness back and that only comes with playing games," he said.

"Like many footballers I am not a good watcher. I've even stayed away from some of the away matches because there's nothing worse than being sat in the stand knowing there's nothing you can do.

"It's also depressing when Saturday comes around and all the lads are going through their rituals and you aren't."Pouton revealed he had been helped by team-mates and physiotherapist Jeff Miller on the long haul back to reclaiming a first-team place.

"It's got me down I have to admit, but Jeff has been great with us and the lads have been on as well to keep us going," said Pouton.

"I thought I was playing well just as I got the injury, so it's been more frustrating. But I'm glad Crezzie and Martin Garratt have done so well. Hopefully I can get back in the first team myself soon."

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