RECALLED on-loan defender David McGurk is hoping to complete a permanent move to York City.

McGurk has begun his third spell on loan at the Minstermen from Darlington and this time hopes it is for good.

The 23-year-old centre-back is out of contract with the Quakers this summer and is currently discussing a financial settlement which will allow him to commit his long-term future to the KitKat Crescent club.

McGurk also revealed that he turned down the opportunity to join another Conference club to resign for City.

He said: "I went back to Darlington and, after I got back from my ankle injury, I was picked for the first game but, for the next match, I was dropped.

"I told David Hodgson (Darlington manager) then that I didn't want to be in and out of the team and how I had enjoyed my football at York.

"I then went down to Oxford with the Darlington squad on Saturday but I was withdrawn because the manager had said he had two offers on the table for me.

"One was from another Conference club but, as soon as I knew York were interested, I didn't want to go anywhere else and now I'm hoping that I can reach an agreement over the rest of my contract and join York as a free agent rather than as a loan player."

McGurk was named on the Minstermen bench for last night's 0-0 draw against Southport after only completing his latest temporary transfer at 2.30pm, and he is expecting a battle to regain the place that he occupied in every match before his January 1 return to the North-East.

He said: "I know I face a fight to get in the team with Mark (Hotte) and James (Gudgeon), but that's all right.

"I am willing to do that."

McGurk also believes City should still aspire towards a play-off place despite last night's stalemate against the Conference's bottom club.

He added: "The Southport game was frustrating and it might be a bit tough to reach the play-offs now but I certainly think we have the quality in the team to get back up there."

City boss Billy McEwan welcomed McGurk's return, saying: "We needed another defender to come in because we are short in that department, especially if we got any injuries or suspensions.

"He was not too happy after going back to Darlington and wanted to come back here.

"He's done well for us so we are grateful to have him back."

McEwan was less impressed with City's poor performance last night, criticising his side's mental approach to the game.

Updated: 09:55 Wednesday, January 25, 2006